Jimmy Butler Opens Up On Miami Heat’s Contract Extension Situation: ‘I Gotta Go Out’
Butler hasn't played in 65 regular-season games in any year with the Heat, and it's unlikely he'll become healthier as he ages. Making such a large financial commitment to him carries significant risk, and I understand why the Heat might want to hold off.
However, by doing so, the Heat risk Butler leaving for free in 2025 since he has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. If he departs, their chances of winning a title go with him.
Butler has declared his intention to prove his worth on the court, and NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes he'll dominate next season. Windhorst predicts Butler will be in 'Killer Mode' to show his value.
"Here's the thing. Whether or not Butler is genuinely planning to be a free agent next July remains uncertain. He has a $52 million player option for the final year of his deal... A highly motivated Butler aiming for free agency, I think, is a different animal."
"And the Heat have had terrible luck with injuries over the past couple of years. At times, it seems like Butler finds reasons not to play, and maybe that'll continue. But I believe he'll be in killer mode to prove himself to the Heat and others around the league."
I can't say I share Windhorst's view. Butler hasn't taken the regular season seriously for years, and I don't see that changing. He might dominate in the postseason, as he did in 2022 and 2023, but I don't expect his regular-season stats to be outstanding.
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