NBA Insider: Jimmy Butler Doesn’t Wanna Leave The Heat

This has been an insane postseason so far, but one of the bigger stories beyond The Finals is Jimmy Butler and whether he wants to continue his partnership with the Miami Heat.

Good news for fans, specifically Miami fans, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the 34-year-old isn’t going anywhere. Despite looking for an extension, Butler wants to remain in Miami and has no plans to leave Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra.

While questions have arisen debating whether they’ll give him the extension or not, Butler does want to remain in Miami, with his intentions being positive for the city of Miami. For reference, he can sign a two-year extension worth over $112 million.

“My sense is Jimmy Butler does not want to be anywhere but Miami,” Charania told Pat McAfee. “Sense is that he loves it in Miami. But again, he is extension-eligible this year. There are multiple teams out there that would give him an extension, and I think this is something that we’ll see play out over the next month or so. The Heat don’t want to trade him; he wants an extension. Will they give him an extension? That’s the question.”

Rival Execs Believe Jimmy Butler Could Be Heading To Philly

Despite Jimmy Butler having two years left on his current deal, the 34-year-old wants a contract extension that may be a little too high for Pat Riley and the Miami Heat.

He is eligible for a two-year, $113 million extension to tack onto the remaining one-year left on the deal with a player option in 2025-26.

Even though he took the Heat to the Finals two times during his tenure (2020, 2023), Miami’s position on giving him more guaranteed money is unknown. If they decide not to extend him, then rival executives believe the Philadelphia 76ers will trade for Butler for a “family reunion.”

This is according to Marc Stein, as it’s believed Daryl Morey wants to add another piece to go with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, almost running it back with Butler after a current five-year break.

Rival teams will keep their eye on Philly and Miami, especially since Morey has more than $60 million to play with and a roster to build for championships.

Jimmy Butler (Knee) Out Multiple Weeks

One of the most unfortunate events happened Wednesday night, and it will ultimately leave the Miami Heat without their superstar talent. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Jimmy Butler will be out for a couple of weeks.

The 34-year-old suffered the sprained MCL injury in his right knee during Miami’s Play-In loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The injury occurred in the final seconds of the first quarter when Kelly Oubre Jr. crashed into his leg.

Butler was in noticeable pain, to the point where he kept limping throughout the game. However, he battled through and played 40 minutes.

His limp was still prevalent after the game when he walked to the locker room and then out of the arena.