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The Jimmy Butler Extension Situation
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been the face of the franchise since he put on the Heat’s
wishbone style jersey for the first time back in 2019.
Some may argue the 13-year veteran already has enough leverage to say that he is one of few
icons to have played for Miami. But that doesn’t mean Butler is guaranteed to stay with the Heat
forever.
Despite two more years on his current contract -- including a player option -- the
six-foot-seven-inch forward is seeking a max extension this offseason. If not with Miami, the star
can leave in pursuit of one, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Butler’s current contract with the Heat has him earning $48.7 million next season with a player
option worth $52.4 million if he decides to resign for the 2025-2026 season. He is reported to be
asking for a two-year $113 million maximum extension.
Rumors have already begun circulating around Butler’s situation with one of the All-Star’s
former teams.
On a recent episode of “Locked on 76ers”, Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia 76ers beat writer
Keith Pompey said that the sixers regretted not keeping Butler originally in 2019 and are eyeing
his future if he does ask for a trade.
Philadelphia is prepared to give Butler his desired max extension if the star is to be dealt away
from Miami, according to Pompey.
“Talking to my sources, the 76ers’ ownership group -- they kinda regret what they did five years
ago [trading Butler] and they see the success that he’s had,” Pompey said on “Locked on
76ers.” “And they realize ... he could be in their eyes, the missing piece, and they’re willing to
give him the money he wants.”
Butler spent only one year in Philadelphia, in which he played and started in 55 games.
Miami’s leader missed a total of 22 games during this regular season and the entire first round
of the NBA Playoffs due to a sprained right MCL in which he sustained in the Heat’s play-in loss
to the Sixers April. 17.
However, his influence on Miami is undeniable. Through five seasons with the Heat, Butler
averaged 20-or-more points per game in four of them and has appeared in two NBA Finals as
the No. 8 seed.
Butler averaged 20.8 points, five assists, 5.3 rebounds and shot a career-high 41.4% from
3-point range this season. He started, and played, in 61 games -- including the regular and
postseason.
It is up to Pat Riley and company to decide on what they must do with Butler’s request for a max
extension. As of now, there are no reports that suggest discussions are actively taking place
between the two parties.
Still, it would be hard to assume that Riley doesn't want the 34-year-old personality in Miami’s
locker room long term.
Written by: Brandon Hernandez
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