Jimmy Butler isn’t letting ongoing trade rumors keep him from making history. He registered 35 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the Miami Heat’s 125-124 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons, recording his 17th career triple-double and nearly helping the team win their fifth straight game.
The Heat were quite sceptical about offering him a max contract extension this off-season. It's understandable for any franchise considering Butler's age and long injury history.
The Heat have turned things around after a rough start to the 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting in 6th position with a 13-11 record. They were riding a four-game win streak before losing to the Pistons and have won 8 of their last 12 games. Butler has been a key piece to the team’s recent success.
Unfortunately for Heat fans, Butler’s days of making history in Miami may be numbered.
According to Zach Bachar of Bleacher Report, Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective: "He has got a player option in his contract for $52 million next year.
"He has made it known to the league, he intending to not pick that up. His position is that no matter what happens, he is going to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025."
To hand a veteran like Butler a long-term contract, at 35 years of age. when he is susceptible to injuries, is quite a risky move.
Although it would not be ideal to lose a player like Butler without getting at least the bare minimum from a trade. That is exactly what might happen if he does indeed turn down his player option.
Butler is averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists after playing 19 games this season. He is second to Tyler Herro in terms of the Heat's top scorers.
Parting ways with the six-time All-Star, who has taken the Heat to two NBA finals, could be hard for the franchise. It would also be difficult for them to get a replacement of that level, especially when it comes to postseason output.
Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns have been linked with him in recent weeks.
