Jimmy Butler added more fuel to the trade fire ahead of a New Year’s Day clash against the New Orleans Pelicans, not holding back the uncertainty he feels about remaining with the Miami Heat.
The 35-year-old also declared himself healthy to play again after dealing with what he described as a fairly severe illness.
“It’s a good question. Who knows? I don’t,” Butler said on wanting to stick around in Miami. “But right now, I’m here. So, I’m going to make the most of it. I am going to compete, and I am going to win. And that’s all that I’ve got. It’s a lot of talk. And it is a lot of noise, which I’m cool with. It doesn’t bother me at all. I love that. I thrive in that. But it keeps all y’all wondering. It does. It keeps the world wondering, to where you’ve got to keep coming back and asking me about something.
“I like it. It’s good to be talked about. Even better to be wanted, though. Remember that.”
Do The Heat Not Want Butler?
Butler’s statement that it’s better to be wanted is a clear negotiating tactic with team president Pat Riley and the Miami front office. He’s publicly suggesting the Heat haven’t been willing to meet his demands — and therefore don’t want him enough.
It’s been reported Butler was looking for a two-year, $113 million extension in the summer but no offer was forthcoming. Riley has indicated he knows he has until June 30 to get that extension done but also has the most leverage in free agency.
While Butler’s reported list of preferred teams includes the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors, only the latter two seem to have the pieces that would appease Miami.
“That’s up to Pat and them. They’re going to do what’s best for the organization, as they should,” Butler said. “As long as I’m happy, and right now, I’m happy, I’m in a good space. I will tell you that. I’ve got my kids here, I’m healthy, I’m smiling. I promise you, I’m happy.”
Heat In Driver’s Seat?
With Butler set to opt out of a $52.4 million player option for next season and test free agency, the fear is Miami could potentially lose Butler without receiving any return.
The Brooklyn Nets are currently the only team expected to have enough cap room to afford him, and it appears unlikely Butler would be interested in a rebuilding team.
The simple math is what’s most in favor of Miami. If Butler becomes a free agent in the summer, he is eligible for a four-year max contract worth $243 million with the Heat but that number comes down to $171M over three years with any other team.
At age 35 with growing injury concerns, it’s easy to see why Miami is prepared to play hard ball rather than cede to Butler’s demands.
Ready To Compete
What shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle is that Butler is indeed feeling ready to return to action against the Pelicans on New Year’s Day.
He has missed 10 of Miami’s 30 games this season and is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games.
The Heat are 11-9 when he plays and 5-5 when he doesn’t. Interestingly, Miami’s record is 7-2 when Butler has a usage rate above 20 percent.
