Jimmy Butler has made it clear he wants to leave the Miami Heat and the franchise seems more open to parting with him now than ever before. While both sides want a divorce, there is a chance Butler will be with the Heat after the Feb. 6 trade deadline. If that happens, NBA insider Bobby Marks stated on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he thinks the six-time All-Star will likely opt into his $52.4 million player option for 2025-26.
"There's a strong likelihood that if he is on this roster when we get past February 6, then he picks up that 52," Marks said. "I know it's been reported that he's gonna decline that option and become a free agent, but when you have $52 million on the table, you have to have a home to go to. So I think it would be more likely to opt into the contract then see where you stand from a trade standpoint."
This would certainly be the smart strategy. While Butler, who is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in 2024-25, remains very effective on the court, he is also 35 years old and has a bit of an injury history. It isn't a slam dunk by any means that he gets a massive deal if he hits free agency.
It's already been reported that the Golden State Warriors don't want to offer Butler a long-term contract and a lot of teams would have that same stance. So, by opting in with the Heat, he at least guarantees himself $50+ million for 2025-26.
Butler and the Heat, though, would be hoping he isn't in a position to opt in with them. It's clear the two sides aren't interested in being together anymore. The Heat suspended Butler for seven games over multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team and you'd imagine they'd have hoped he had already played his last game for them.
Unfortunately, Butler's trade market has been soft and he could well rejoin the Heat, who have a 19-17 record when his suspension ends. He has served four games so far and, as of now, is set to return for the game against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 17.
Pat Riley Defended The Heat's Decision To Suspend Jimmy Butler With A 10-Page Letter And Film
Not long after the Heat announced they had suspended Butler, the NBA Players Association (NBPA) revealed they intended to file a grievance challenging the decision. The suspension was deemed excessive and inappropriate but Heat president Pat Riley sure doesn't feel that's the case.
Tim Hardaway Sr. revealed Riley sent a 10-page letter and film to the NBPA to defend the decision to suspend Butler. While this might surprise some, it shouldn't. Riley has been in this business for decades and isn't one to make decisions on impulse. The decision to suspend Butler would have been well thought out and you wouldn't fancy the NBPA's chances in this battle.
While Riley and the Heat could well emerge victorious here, they are the big losers in this whole Butler saga. They have alienated their best player and ultimately, aren't going to get great value for the star when they ship him out of town.
