Jimmy Butler has long-term plans with the Heat
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler’s future with the Miami Heat has been a topic of debate since Erik Spoelstra’s team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
Butler missed the series between the two rivals due to an MCL injury he sustained during the play-in tournament. Butler, 34, has two years left on his $146 million deal. The final year of that contract is a player option.
However, during a recent interview with GQ, the veteran forward shared his desire to retire with the franchise.
“I feel at home, man,” Butler said. “I really care about the city, I really care about the people in this city. Miami has embraced me. They’ve wanted me to bring them something they haven’t done since LeBron, D-Wade and C-Bosh. And I want to do that. So as soon as I get this knee back right, I’m right back on they a— and everybody know it.”
Erik Spoelstra hasn’t had a star-studded roster since LeBron James left Miami in 2014. Yet, he has continued coaching the franchise to deep playoff runs, including two NBA Finals appearances.
Butler’s presence has been a big part of Miami’s sustained success. If Pat Riley can retool the roster and add more talent around the duo of Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat could emerge as serious contenders.
Still, Butler is nearing the end of his career. His ability to control games will eventually begin to dwindle. If he wishes to remain in South Beach for the remainder of his career, he may need to adjust his earning expectations on future contracts.
The Heat are reportedly open to moving on from Butler this summer. However, his latest comments could cause a change of plan. He has been a core part of Spoelstra’s rotation.
Pat Riley will have a tough decision to make regarding his star player. That decision will likely impact how quickly Miami can get back to contending for championships. If it chooses to trade Butler, there will be a soft rebuild in South Beach, which usually takes some time.
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