It is believed that Jimmy Butler wanted a contract extension from the Miami Heat this offseason but was not offered one. The organization seemingly want the 35-year-old to prove that he can remain fit before making that sort of investment in his future.
To be fair to Butler, he has taken it well and looked all business heading into the 2024-25 season. That is the kind of attitude you want a superstar to showcase.
Butler’s long-term future in Miami remains up in the air though. He has a player option for 2025-26 and would be a free agent next summer if he opts out of it.
He is also eligible for a two-year contract extension worth about $113 million. But according to Anthony Chiang in the Miami Herald, the expectation at this point is that Butler will pass on the extension even if the Heat offers it and then opt out of his current contract to become a free agent next summer.
If Butler did indeed become a free agent, he would be eligible to sign a four-year max contract projected to be worth in the region of $243 million with the Heat or a max three-year contract worth $171 million for another team.
So, it looks like Butler has decided that if he is going to have to prove himself to get a contract extension, he will aim for a longer-term one than two years and $113 million.
If Butler were to leave Miami, there is not expected to be any lack of interest in his signature despite being in his mid-30s with a long injury history. The Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets have been suggested as possible destinations.
The Warriors need a superstar to team with Steph Curry if they are to be contenders once again. On the other hand, a move to Brooklyn makes less sense on paper, especially with Butler focused on winning at this point in his career.