Jimmy Butler's Miami Heat future has been a matter of discussion since reports emerged earlier in the summer that he wanted a contract extension. One that he was ultimately not handed by the organization.
One can understand the Heat's reluctance to commit to a long-term deal when it comes to Butler. He has a history of injury problems and recently turned 35. Staying fit is not going to get any easier as he approaches his late 30s.
The message has been quite clear. Butler needs to prove that he can remain fit and then, the Heat might consider handing him an extension.
Now though, there seems to be another twist in the tale. It has emerged that Butler is now aiming for a longer-term contract than initially thought.
Butler is already eligible for a two-year contract extension worth about $113 million. But a report from Anthony Chiang in the Miami Herald goes on to read: "The expectation at this point is that Butler will pass on the extension even if the Heat offers it, according to sources, and then opt out of his current contract to become a free agent next summer."
In the scenario that Butler does opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer, the 35-year-old will be eligible to sign a four-year max contract extension projected to be worth about $243 million with the Heat or a max three-year contract worth $171 million with another team.
Of course, if indeed accurate then that gives the Heat a lot more to think about and certainly raises the chances of them considering a potential trade involving Butler. As Peter O'Keefe writes on Blue Man Hoop: "If Butler is indeed unwilling to recommit to the Heat, then surely the franchise would have to do its due diligence in exploring trade options rather than potentially lose the 6x All-Star for nothing in free agency.
"The Warriors could be towards the front of the queue if that does eventuate."
The Golden State Warriors are the team most heavily linked with a move for Butler in recent days. That is largely because the franchise are in need of a superstar to team with Steph Curry after Klay Thompson left in the summer.
Just like Butler, Curry also has a few years of his prime left. The Warriors need to do everything possible to make sure that they surround him with a roster that is capable of challenging for a ring.
Adding Butler to the mix would certainly boost the Warriors' Championship chances. Although, it would be interesting to see what they are willing to give up for him. There have been rumors that they were not willing to include Jonathan Kuminga in a potential trade for Paul George.
