Jimmy Butler’s future with the Miami Heat has been a topic of conversation since the team was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Butler’s desire for a maximum contract extension, combined with his availability, has created uncertainty.
This only grew when Heat president Pat Riley slammed Butler in his end-of-the-season press conference. Yet, Riley said that Miami is not looking to trade the 34-year-old star player who has led the NBA organization to two NBA Finals appearances in the last five years.
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Amid those rumors, Butler has now gone public with his thoughts about Miami as the NBA offseason inches closer following the Heat’s exit from the playoffs
Miami Heat star talks future with team, connection to city
Butler talked to GQ Sports’ Rohan Nadkarni about his basketball future with the Heat and beyond the NBA. While the interview occurred before Riley’s comments, Butler’s comments were notable as he seemed committed to bringing a championship to Miami.
The Heat forward was asked if he wants his No. 22 jersey in Miami to be the last he wears in the NBA. Butler still feels the same way he has in previous years.
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“I mean, yeah. In the NBA? For sure,” Butler said. “But then after that, I really do want to play for Flamengo [a professional Brazilian basketball team in the NBB]. I tell everybody, I’m half-Brazilian.”
“I feel at home, man. I really care about the city, I really care about the people in this city. Miami has embraced me. They’ve wanted me to bring them something they haven’t done since [LeBron James], [Dwyane Wade], and [Chris Bosh]. And I want to do that. So as soon as I get this knee back right, I’m right back on they ass and everybody know it. I feel like everybody got a pass this playoffs, man. We’re not going out like that.”
Butler is still committed to winning a championship with the Heat, and Riley’s comments shouldn’t hurt those efforts. Butler is a competitor and has found a home within the Heat Culture, so Riley’s comments should only light a fire to bring himself forward as the best competitor.
Related: Miami Heat boss Pat Riley slams Jimmy Butler in press conference
The Heat are coming off a poor season where they made the playoffs but had unfortunate luck with injuries. Butler, Terry Rozier, Jaimie Jaquez Jr., and Josh Richardson all missed the final game of the first-round series with Boston. It’s one reason why player availability was a significant topic for Riley.
Miami is at its best when it is fully healthy and has Butler leading the way. Without the star forward, the Heat wouldn’t have made the NBA Finals since the 2014 season, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led the way before James left.
The rumors about Butler’s future will be a hot topic in Miami this offseason, but until something says he isn’t happy, there should be nothing to worry about. Butler and the Heat are a perfect match, and it’s a big offseason to get everything right for another push to the NBA Finals.
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