When Jimmy Butler joined the Miami Heat, he didn’t have a great reputation in the league. He was considered a locker room cancer among fans and NBA teams alike. But he improved that while playing for the Heat.
First, by carrying the team to the 2020 NBA Finals and putting up a performance that will be remembered for ages. Since then, Butler has become a fan favorite and hopefully someone who could bring another championship to the Heat.
Well, that’s what most believed until recently. A new report by The Athletic has suggested that Butler might ask for a trade if the Heat disappoint in the playoffs.
Via The Athletic:
“Rival players speculated that Butler, worn down by the demands of Heat ‘culture,’ could seek a trade if it doesn’t work out this spring.”
At first, it might seem surprising news to fans. However, when we keep in mind the fact that what happened a few weeks ago, it wouldn’t seem that surprising. Yes, we are referring to the incident when Butler got into a verbal altercation with head coach Erik Spoelstra and veteran Udonis Haslem.
People thought nothing of it as the Heat culture is famous for being brutally honest with each other. But now, with the 2022 postseason right around the corner, these rumors are the last thing the team needs.
They need their entire focus to be on the playoffs and hopefully have a decent run. With the rumors of Butler leaving looming around, if the team doesn’t win the 2022 NBA Championship, it might not be enough for the franchise to convince Butler to stay.
It is easier said than done, since the Eastern Conference this season is very competitive and it is pretty tough to make a prediction about which team might end up making it to the NBA Finals.
