The Jimmy Butler trade saga is arguably the most intense fallout between a player and a franchise in years. While James Harden’s split with the Philadelphia 76ers was also explosive, it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as Butler and the Miami Heat have been this year.
Carmelo Anthony directly addressed Butler on the latest episode of his podcast, ‘7PM In Brooklyn’ cautiously warning the star to not burn his bridges so hard that he gets ostracized by NBA owners about how Stephon Marbury was.
“You can’t keep doing this. It was funny at first, but now it’s affecting business. Everybody looking at you now like you affect their business. You are a cancer to the business, not to the team we know you can hoop, we know you can play, but you are becoming a cancer to the organization.”
“Now the organization looks embarrassed. The organization is starting to feel like their backs are against the wall. They’re getting the calls from Micky Arison like, ‘What the f*** are we doing about this?’ because now his circle is talking about this. So, because of that, you have to figure out a way, you’re either in with us or out.”
“They’re suspending you indefinitely because that’s the most minor way of handling this. That is just a slow death right now. Then it goes to he’s not going to start, then he walks out of practice. You already don’t feel like you’re a part of what’s going on. In his mind, he really feel like he ain’t got no job.”
“My advice to Jimmy. Jimmy, I know you have got to sever this sh*t. Your money is your money, it ain’t about the money. This is about now with Jimmy figuring out what you’re gonna do. Your next might be your best and your last move. Chill out until this sh*t happens because they’re going to Marbury you. They’re going to tell you, ‘Don’t even come around no more until we figure out what’s next.’ When they do that, there ain’t no other team you’re going to.”
This is good advice from Carmelo, but it likely won’t change Butler’s feelings about his situation. While money is the leading factor behind his desire to leave, Butler also has to deal with a lot of perceived disrespect because of how Pat Riley has treated him publicly. This is an ego war, and neither side wants people to perceive them as weak.
This is also different from Marbury because Butler has suitors in the NBA right now. He knows the Phoenix Suns are willing to tolerate him if he can deliver on the court. Even teams like the Memphis Grizzlies are considering acquiring him as a half-season rental, despite Butler’s making it clear he doesn’t want to join their franchise.
Marbury was out of the NBA at 32 years old, whereas Butler still has a contract guaranteeing him $51.4 million when he turns 36 next season. He’ll still be in demand due to his on-court ability until teams know for sure he’s past his prime and not worth the headache.
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