Even as all signs point to a breakup between the Heat and Jimmy Butler in the 2025 offseason, the franchise remains adamant about keeping the superstar wing for another year.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat have no intention of trading Butler despite the looming threat of losing him for nothing as a free agent next year.
"Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one," Jackson wrote. "He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source."
The Heat are obviously taking a gamble holding onto Butler, who still has trade value and could fetch them back valuable pieces to pair with the likes of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
The current team is not up to snuff to compete in an Eastern Conference that got significantly better this offseason. While the Knicks and Sixers made drastic roster upgrades, the young Magic are projected to be better after gaining postseason experience, and the Bucks will look to bounce back after a disappointing season. And, of course, the champion Celtics are not expected to skip a beat.
As such, the Heat are rightfully projected to be a middle-of-the-pack team this upcoming season. Their best path to compete with the top teams out East could be to trade Butler and start anew.
Conversely, Butler, too, is taking a gamble by not urging the Heat to trade him. According to multiple insiders, the six-time All-Star is betting on himself as a free agent next year rather than fast-tracking the path to his new home this year. There are two obstacles in his way: age and health. Butler turns 35 in September and has missed a combined 65 games over his last three years in South Beach.
Heat president Pat Riley questioned Butler's endurance in May when he explained why his franchise wasn't willing to give him a contract extension. When Riley made those comments, it seemed inevitable that the Heat would move him. Instead, they're rolling the dice on Butler, in a contract year, to produce a magical season and take them back to the NBA Finals like he did on two previous occasions.
The Butler-Heat storyline will be one to closely follow through the 2024-25 season.
