The links between Jimmy Butler and a summer 2025 move to the Brooklyn Nets seem to be increasing after recent reports suggest there's mutual interest between the player and the franchise. Veteran Nets fan and reporter NetsDaily appeared on the 'Brooklyn Pod' to discuss the Butler rumors, indicating that Butler's former teammate Ben Simmons might have a role to play as well.
“I can't get into details for a number of reasons, Jimmy Butler’s interest in the Brooklyn Nets is very, very real. Part of it is New York, part of it is that Bernie Lee — who is Ben Simmons' agent, is very happy with how his client has been dealt with by the Nets.”
NetsDaily also poured some cold water on the reality of Butler joining the Nets.
"I have no idea how the Nets feel about it. It would seem, considering the way the roster looks... They wouldn't be interested in him, he doesn't fit the timeline."
Butler is going to be one of the few top-tier free agents to hit the market next season if he and the Heat can't hammer out a contract extension over the season.
The Heat don't seem keen on giving Butler a supermax extension without an improvement in on-court results, as the team has been in the Play-In for the last two seasons. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last season but struggled with injuries and consistency all year long.
The links with Ben Simmons are interesting because Butler and Simmons didn't get along well on the Philadelphia 76ers, with Butler being pushed out after just one season with the team. But given the patience the Nets have treated Simmons with despite his inability to be available, it makes sense why Butler will be interested in joining Brooklyn.
Miami Heat GM Believes Jimmy Butler Needs To Meet Pat Riley's Goals For A Contract Extension
Despite Jimmy Butler being the Heat's best player for the last five seasons, Butler needs to meet some internal goals and challenges established by Pat Riley to get his contract extension, according to Heat GM Andy Elisburg.
"I think Jimmy’s indicated he wants to be in Miami, and at the end of the day, we would like Jimmy to be in Miami. Pat has indicated in his postseason press conference that there are things he wants to see, and there are challenges he wants met."
"Jimmy’s not one who is familiar with being challenged. Pat and Jimmy are two very strong-willed people who are looking for the same thing, which is ultimately to win. My view of it is that it ultimately works itself out — there are lots of ways it can work out — and foremost, do the player and the team want to continue working together?"
The Heat and Butler could be headed towards an impasse that doesn't seem to have a resolution this season if Butler wants to secure a max contract extension. He'll need to earn it on the court and hope that either the Heat or a team like the Nets offer him his desired contract next summer.
