The fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise, Ride or Die, is set to hit theaters worldwide on June 7, 2024. A promotional video for the film came out recently and it surprisingly featured Jimmy Butler and Lionel Messi.
In the clip, Butler was willing to give up his NBA career to be a Bad Boy. Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) checked whether he had what it took to be one, and Butler hilariously failed to prove himself. He returned to the Miami Heat to continue his career as a result.
Lowrey and Burnett could then be seen mocking Butler for believing he could be one of them when the doorbell rang once again. This time, Messi, of all people, was at the door. The Inter Miami star also wanted to be a Bad Boy but was hilariously rejected right away.
I must say, that was quite an epic promotional clip. For them to rope in both Butler and Messi for this was quite something. The Argentine also spoke in English for once, which left social media in a frenzy.
Jimmy Butler Expected To Remain With The Heat
What was also brilliant about that video was that part about Butler wanting to leave the Heat, as just a few weeks ago, it was thought that the 34-year-old might actually part ways with the franchise. It has now come out, though, that NBA executives think Butler will remain with the Heat.
“A far murkier dynamic is that of Jimmy Butler, who’s extension eligible in Miami. The Sixers, of course, have been in the Butler business before. He and Embiid maintained a close relationship, and Butler may have been the All-Star whom Morey most often attempted to acquire in Houston, sources said. At this juncture, however, league executives are of the mind Butler will most likely remain with the Heat.”
What led to talk of him potentially leaving was Pat Riley criticizing Butler for mocking the Celtics and the Knicks. It was seen as a sign that all was not well behind the scenes. Riley made it clear, though, that Butler would not be traded but added they are not looking to give him an extension at this moment either.
It had been reported that Butler, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in 2023-24, is seeking a two-year, $113 million max extension with the Heat this summer. The six-time All-Star can potentially hit free agency next year by declining his $52.4 million player option for 2025-26, but the Heat don’t seem to feel the need to tie him down right now.
Butler’s situation seems one to keep an eye on, even with executives believing he will remain with the team. As for Messi, there doesn’t seem to be much doubt about his future with Inter Miami.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
