The Miami Herald (TNS) by Greg Cote
Miami During the Jimmy Butler era, the Miami Heat have continuously been good enough to tantalize and tease but not good enough to turn the optimism into joy. At this point, his sixth NBA season in South Florida is just passed the quarter, and his squad is 12-10 following three strong wins in a row.
But you know what you’re going to do, don’t you? In the first round of the playoffs, coach Erik Spoelstra’s team will use the intense competition that characterizes Heat Culture to their advantage. However, in a conference containing the defending champion Boston and six other teams with higher chances of winning, the Heat will not pose a threat to hoist the team’s fourth championship trophy.
Good enough. Insufficient.
Although that may seem like a harsh assessment of the Heat’s current situation and the Butler era, it is also reasonable and true given the current rumors that Miami may cut Butler before the league’s trade deadline on February 7.
It might seem a little different if Butler is introduced prior to Thursday night’s home game against Toronto. More like farewell? As in, “Thank you?”
If you’re looking at the bottom line, Butler’s five or more seasons in Miami have been a mixed bag of success. The Heat have been legitimate contenders in three of five seasons, including two NBA Finals and one Eastern Conference final series (all of which ended in losses). In terms of club win shares, Butler has already ascended to fifth place all-time, behind only Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Alonzo Mourning, and current colleague Bam Adebayo.
Playoffs Despite not being able to lift the ultimate trophy, Jimmy has demonstrated that he can step up his game in the postseason with incredible performances. Despite not achieving the big aim, he has a permanent place in Heat lore since he is eccentric and colorful.
The Heat must now choose a decision:
I think the choice is very obvious.
After this season, Butler has the option to opt out and become a free agent, which is what he is rumored to do. Therefore, the option is to keep him for the remainder of the season rather than lose him and only receive the memories. Or, to get the retooling started, trade him within the following seven weeks and receive something in exchange.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Miami, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, welcomes Bam Adebayo, left, as he is presented prior to an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons. (Photo courtesy of Lynne Sladky)AP
The simple response is to trade him for anything, presumably providing the bids are good enough. Because Butler is already a time bomb—an costly veteran with a contract that is about to expire. Seize the opportunity if it’s fair.
According to ESPN’s NBA source Shams Charania, often known as The New Woj, Miami is considering offers for Butler, who has listed Houston, his hometown, Dallas, and Golden State as his top destinations. The L.A. Lakers and Denver have also been the subject of rumors. According to reports, he acknowledges that he doesn’t believe Miami is a win-now team and wants one.
I believe there would be assumed interest and market value despite Butler’s age of 35 and fairly hefty salary of $48.7 million. There may be space for a tenacious defender and a proven scoring option on a squad that is near but without a key player.
The details of how transactions might be negotiated under the league’s new CBA trading regulations are something I won’t discuss here (you’re welcome). Andy Ellisburg, the Heat’s general manager and sVP who handles the salary cap and other matters, should handle it. When you bring up tax aprons, my eyes go glassy.
However, I am aware that in exchange for Butler, Houston, Dallas, and Golden State have a total of ten tradeable first-round draft picks. Each features young players that are capable of contributing to the Heat’s future goals. Butler will fetch a package of players and picks, but no team will part with a star on par with him.
Miami may be able to leverage high draft selections, players acquired in exchange, and available existing veterans like Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson. Pat Riley has had his eye on Kyrie Irving in private for some time, and he is also on the list of free agents for next summer.
Adebayo and Herro, who are both having a fantastic season, are still players to work with. Butler’s place can be filled by Jamie Jacquez Jr., a young, promising talent. The problem is that Miami needs to use the money it receives for Butler to get a better, younger player. Or use free agency in the same way.
In the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, center, shoots over forward Nikola Jovic and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, bottom. (Craig Mitchelldyer/AP Photo) APAP
Bottom line: The Heat must face the urgent necessity to replace Butler, who is expected to go shortly either through trade or free agency.
Before Butler leaves for nothing, Miami should make a good offer and acquire something for him.
Miami Herald, 2024. Check out miamiherald.com here. Tribune Content Agency, LLC is the distributor.
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