Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is reportedly on the trade block as the team considers major roster changes. In a recent chat with the media, Butler finally responded to the rumors and set the record straight on his future with the Heat.
Reporter: “Where do you stand as far as your long-term future, hopefully otherwise, with the Miami Heat?”
Jimmy Butler: “Who knows?”
Reporter: “Where do you stand on your longterm future when it comes to your contract? You told us earlier in the year that money doesn’t matter but money seems to always matter.”
Jimmy Butler: “Not really… My kids matter, my happiness matters, my well-being matters and my family matters. Right now it’s all about being and staying healthy, playing great basketball, and we have done that so far.”
Butler, 35, joined the Heat back in 2019 as an unrestricted free agent. Over the past five years, he’s led them to two NBA Finals appearances including in 2023 as the 8th-seeded team in the East. In 308 games for the franchise, Butler is averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 44.8% shooting.
With a $52.41 million player option on the 2025-26 season, Butler can opt-out and become one of the NBA’s hottest free agents this summer. At 35 years old, Butler is unlikely to secure a long-term max deal but he’s still among the most lucrative players in the league for his experience, competitive edge, and two-way expertise on the wing.
Butler will always be known as a high-impact player and his post-season heroics have saved the Heat time and time again. But after multiple failed seasons, and another one in the making (13-11 in the 2024-25 campaign), the Heat have seemingly reached their breaking point, and all signs point to a massive roster overhaul within the next few years.
The word on the street is that Pat Riley is calling open season on his roster which means Butler’s future is currently unclear as a potential trade target for several teams.
The first on the list is the Golden State Warriors. With Stephen Curry still operating like an MVP, the Warriors are in play for a top-six spot this season and they are showing positive signs on all areas of the court. With a player like Butler in the mix, the Dubs can reach even greater heights and re-live some of their glory days from the late 2010s.
Another potential landing spot, albeit a long-shot one, is the Denver Nuggets. Butler could make the perfect swingman alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and he might make up for some of the talents they’ve lost over the years.
For now, until a definitive move is made, the future is still very much uncertain for Jimmy Butler but all he can do in the meantime is wait and see things through. Butler’s only focus now is on the next game, which is set for tomorrow, December 12th, against the Raptors at Kaseya Center. They have multiple days off before facing the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena at 7:00 PM EST.
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