In 2020, and 2023, the Miami Heat are filling the locker room with cigar smoke. Celebrating a trip into the NBA Finals. Fast forward to today, they are 17-16 and 6th in the Eastern Conference. With only one little problem, Jimmy Butler has a foot out the door. On January 2nd, Jimmy Butler expressed in a post-game interview that he would be far happier elsewhere. Then a day later, the Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler for actions detrimental to the team. They also announced that they will be listening to offers. But how did we even get to this point? Has this issue been brewing for longer than we knew? Let’s break down the timeline of this whole ordeal, possible trade suitors, and what Butler’s contract looks like for the next 2 seasons.
The Timeline
December 10th: Shams Charnaia reports that the Miami Heat are listening to trade offers on Jimmy Butler.
December 11th: Shams reports that Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee indicated to league circles. The Suns have entered their name into the list of possible suitors. Joining the Rockers, Warriors and the Mavs. Then Bernie retweeted Shams tweet, stating to stop tying his name to made up BS. (in my opinion, Bernie was referring to Shams saying Bernie indicated to league circles about the Suns)
December 17th: Shams reports on ESPN NBA Today that the Heat are open to trades but have no real urgency to complete one. (Deadline isn’t until Feb 6th, 3 p.m ET) He mentions that the Nets could take on his contract, due to their huge cap space. But Brooklyn isn’t a preferred landing spot for Butler. Warriors and Suns remain his top destination spots.
December 20th: Jimmy Butler played in seven minutes against the Thunder. He recorded 2 AST, 0 REB, and didn’t attempt a shot. (he then went on to miss the next 5 games due to illness)
December 26th: Pat Riley, owner of the Miami Heat releases a statement, regarding the situation on Jimmy Butler. Assuring the fans that Butler will not be traded.
“We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear — we are not trading Jimmy Butler,”
January 1st: Jimmy Butler returns from illness, after missing five games. He played in 24 minutes, and recorded 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
January 2nd: Jimmy Butler then returns for his second game back from illness. He played in 26 minutes, with 9 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists, He shot 50% from the field. After the game, Butler appeared in a press conference. From there, Butler publicly announced his frustrations. When asked if he can find his joy again on the court, and do it in Miami. Butler responded with “probably not”
The press conference with Butler’s comments can be found here.
January 3rd: Eight days after Pat Riley issued a public statement across the team’s social media accounts. The team announced they were suspending Butler for seven games, due to actions that were detrimental to the team. They mentioned that it’s been going on over the whole course of the season. But more specifically during the last couple of weeks. They also announced that they will be listening to offers on Butler and will look to trade him.
Butler’s Contract
Any team that is willing to take on Butler’s contract will be signing themselves up to pay Butler 52.4m in 2025-26. (If he accepts his player option) Also, all of his money is fully guaranteed, which means. He will be getting paid the full 52.4m of his contract if he chooses to stay.
2023-24: 45.1m
2024-25: 48.7m
2025-26: 52.4m (Player Option)
2026-27: Free Agent
Total 146m (146m GTD)
Now personally for teams like the Thunder and the Cavaliers, i think they are okay with not pursuing Butler. But for teams like the Suns, Warriors, and the Grizzlies. This could be exactly what they need to make those pushes into the deep season.
Currently the Suns are 1.5 GB behind the playoffs and on a four game losing streak. Moving around some players who may be looking for some new scenery, just like Butler could be what they need to make playoffs. The Warriors are also in a tough spot as they are only a game ahead of the play-in spots. Now the Warriors with their current cap space can possibly bring on Butler without having to move a big star. But the Suns will definitely have to re-face the big 3 merchandise.
Multiple reports are saying that Bradley Beal could be moved if this deal got worked out with the Suns. Personally, i don’t see the Heat wanting to take on Beal’s contract. As it seems like moving Butler. will mark a rebuild phase for the Miami Heat.
Remember, Pat Riley is the same person who didn’t want to pay Dwayne Wade, and Tim Hardaway. He even traded away Shaquille O’Neal when he wanted to turn a 180 for the Miami Heat.
Jimmy Butler’s Suspension Facts
Hours after the Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler, the NBA Players Association said that the suspension was excessive and inappropriate. Jimmy Butler will be fined 335,543$ for each game missed. It will total around 2.4m. Butler has 30 days to file a grievance, then the grievance process can take up to a year.
It’s obvious that Pat Riley doesn’t want Butler anywhere near the Miami Heat currently. Now he is set to return on Jan 19th against the Spurs, but will he still be a Heat by that time?
Fans have been asking if Butler can be suspended longer if they can’t find a trade partner. Butler can only be suspended if Butler does something that’s considered to violate to conduct detrimental policy. The most recent player to be suspended for something similar is Kyrie Irving. Irving was suspended for eight games after releasing a controversial tweet and didn’t apologize.
Where will Butler be traded?
Just because Jimmy Butler wants to be traded, doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy. About a third of the teams in the league can’t take back more salary in a trade. Which will make it difficult for his 48.7m salary this season.
This will more than likely have to include at least 3 teams, maybe even four to make this happen. The Suns would need Beal to waive his no-trade clause, but it’s rumored that the Heat don’t wanna take on his contract, and told the Suns to look for a third team.
I can see this scenario being similar to when Paul George requested to leave the Clippers. Due to Butler’s large contract, the state of the league’s cap space. It will be difficult for any team to make a trade happen, without having to involve a third or even a fourth team. Moving Butler will be probably one of the hardest things that Pat Riley has done in his ownership tenure. Will the Miami Heat be successful in moving Butler? Who will end up acquiring the massive contract and the 50m+ that Butler potentially is owed next season? Time will only tell.
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