May 25, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter of game five of the 2022 eastern conference finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Butler may say that a contract extension from the Miami Heat does not matter to him, but that may not actually be the truth.
During an episode of “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” that was published on Friday, Windhorst addressed Butler’s status with the Heat.
“As far as I know, I think Jimmy Butler wants to be in Miami. His goal is to get another contract from Miami,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst said that he believes Butler will probably forgo his player option for next season in favor of becoming a free agent.
Butler is making $48.8 million this year and has a $52.4 million player option for next season. He last signed a 3-year, $146.4 million extension with the Heat in 2021.
After the Heat had a disappointing season, Pat Riley expressed frustration with Butler. That may have been Riley’s way of trying to grab Butler’s attention to get the veteran focused for this season. And Butler may be accepting the challenge and trying to earn a new contract.
Butler said on the Heat’s media day that he needs to prove he is a “major part of winning.”
Jimmy Butler on his reaction to Miami not giving him a contract extension.
“I gotta prove that I’m a major part in winning…” #HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/gSjENyxLnx
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) September 30, 2024
Butler is entering his sixth season with the Heat. The Heat have made the playoffs in all five of his seasons, including two trips to the NBA Finals and one to the conference finals.
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