Miami Heat general manager Andy Elisburg recently spoke on Sirius XM’s NBA Radio about Jimmy Butler’s deal. He stated that both parties are interested in extending the contract, but Butler will need to overcome some of Pat Riley’s challenges in order to clinch the deal, which Butler may not be used to accomplishing.
“As Pat Riley stated in his press conference, it isn’t something we have to do immediately. We have the opportunity to do this all year, and then he may become a free agent next year, at which point we would sit down and negotiate a contract. If a player wants to be in Miami, and we want him there, the rest is a matter of logistics.”
“That’s how Pat has always viewed things. Whether it’s [cap] room or timing, it all becomes a part of it. I believe Jimmy has signalled a desire to be in Miami, and at the end of the day, we want Jimmy to be in Miami. Pat stated at his postseason press conference that there are things he wants to see and challenges he wants to face.
“Jimmy isn’t used to being challenged. Pat and Jimmy are two incredibly strong-willed persons who want the same thing: to win. My opinion is that it will eventually work out — there are numerous possibilities — and the first question is if the athlete and the team want to continue working together.
“If they do, there are many ways to make the remainder of the numbers work. If everyone wants to make a deal, there are numerous methods to accomplish so with different components. The most crucial thing is that everyone wants to do the trade.
These remarks follow Pat Riley’s public criticism of Jimmy Butler. Riley chastised Butler for stating at a party that he and the Heat would be in the NBA Finals if he were healthy, and advised Butler to concentrate on getting fit.
Jimmy Butler is reportedly set to enter free agency next year.
While the Heat may want to re-sign or extend Butler, there is a chance he will leave for free agency. According to Shams Charania, Jimmy Butler plans to fulfill his contract and enter free agency next season. Butler wants to test the market and get what may be his final big payday in the NBA.
“Jimmy Butler will play out next season under his existing contract with the Heat. I’m told he would not sign an extension with the Heat or any other team before opting out of free agency in 2025, which eliminates any possibility of Jimmy Butler making a trade demand.”
“He intends to play next season.” He has a strong desire to play for the Miami Heat next season, so he has two years left on his contract. $49 million this year, followed by a $52 million player option in 2025.
“And I’m told Jimmy Butler is absolutely determined to have a big season next year and set himself up for a major payday in 2025 free agency when he can sign the deal four years up to $240 million.”
Butler might end up making a lot of money next year, with a four-year, $240 million contract being the most he can get. If Butler can recreate some of his famous postseason performances on a regular basis this season, he could be in line for a big payout.
Despite being a major market team with the necessary assets, the Miami Heat have been unable to surround him with another star. Players such as Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Paul George have been passed over, and it appears that the Heat’s failure to understand the new CBA rules is a significant part of the reason.
Butler’s decision to test free agency next year does not rule out a return to the franchise. If the Heat are impressed with what Butler can do for the team, they may decide to pay him and bring him back.
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