According to NBA insider Howard Beck of The Ringer, the Miami Heat are now expected to trade Jimmy Butler.
The Philadelphia 76ers have shown interest in reacquiring Butler, who played 55 games for them during the 2018-19 season. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers are prepared to offer Butler a max extension, indicating their strong interest in bringing him back.
Jimmy Butler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, he is expected to seek a two-year deal worth around $113 million. However, it appears that the Miami Heat are reluctant to commit to this hefty extension.
NBA analyst Howard Beck highlighted the growing speculation around Butler’s future in Miami, noting that rival executives have been buzzing about a potential trade for months. Butler, who is approaching his 35th birthday, has one year left on his current Heat contract and is seeking a substantial extension. If the Heat were to agree to Butler’s demands, it would significantly limit their financial flexibility to acquire another star player, which is crucial for their championship aspirations.
“Jimmy Butler will be traded. He has been instrumental in leading Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in five seasons. However, a team built around Butler and Bam Adebayo may not be sufficient to challenge top Eastern Conference contenders like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, or Philadelphia 76ers. Pat Riley, known for his strategic roster moves, may see this as the right time to pivot. Butler, at this stage, could be more valuable as a secondary or tertiary option on a contender rather than the focal point in Miami” – Beck wrote.
Butler is set to earn $48.8 million next season and has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. This year, the Heat were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs in five games, with Butler sidelined due to a knee injury.
Despite his injuries, Butler remains a highly effective player. The six-time All-Star averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks over 60 games this season, shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. Over his career, Butler has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Heat. He has been named to five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.