Even though Jimmy Butler has helped the Miami Heat contend during his time there, there’s a chance he’ll be playing for another team next season. After their playoff run ended, Pat Riley attempted to clear the air on the said issue.
Butler first joined Miami in 2019 when the Philadelphia 76ers traded him there. In his first season with the team, the All-Star forward led the Heat to a surprising Finals appearance against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. In that series, Butler averaged 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 assists. However, they were defeated in six games inside the Bubble in Orlando last 2020.
A few years later, Butler and the Heat replicated that feat by returning to the NBA Finals after entering the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament. From there, Miami ran through the Eastern Conference and faced Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the Finals. But much like their run in 2020, they lost to Mile High City in five games.
This year, the Heat were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics. Due to Butler injuring his knee, the All-Star wasn’t present to help Miami contend, leading him to troll their opponents from the sideline. Also, Butler is up for an extension and it’s not yet known whether he’ll get it, be traded, or sign up with a new team as a free agent.
Miami Heat President Pat Riley Reveals Whether The Franchise Is Trading Jimmy Butler or Not
Heat president Pat Riley plays a huge decision to retain Butler or not. The Hall of Fame coach’s response can be seen in a video shared by Mike Cugno on X:
Although Riley did gave a definite answer, the second part of his response will make Butler and those following the issue doubtful on whether the team will keep the former. And with the way Miami performed this season, something will have to be done for them to compete again.
As it stands, it’s going to be a long offseason for both Miami and Butler. Whatever happens, though, the Heat roster as we know it may never be the same again.
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