Butler and the Heat have recently had some "rumors" about contract extensions, and they are all rumored that they may part ways this summer! Is this true?
Butler is 34 years old, and he's still one of the league's top stars, and given his age, injuries, and unreasonable input-output ratio, the Heat aren't that keen to re-sign him early. We all know that the Heat are a very smart team, and they are very cost-conscious. Butler previously signed a two-year, $100 million contract with the Heat, and currently has one year left on his current contract with a $52 million player option, which means that Butler has the option to become a full free agent in the summer of 2025.
The Heat aren't going to give Butler a huge contract extension, and they want to use the money to develop younger players. Butler also knew what the Heat were thinking, so he decided not to renew his contract early, opting to exercise his player option and become a free agent in the summer of 2025.
Butler is one of the best players in the league, and there's no doubt about his quality. He is notoriously hot-tempered and often clashes with his coaches. The Heat have put up with Butler's "aggressiveness" for too long, and they don't want to put up with it any longer. Riley, the president of the Heat, is one of the most astute managers in the league, and he knows Butler's personality very well.
Riley was a big fan of Butler before that, and he admired Butler's skills and leadership. Both have also passed the "honeymoon period". Riley, on the other hand, is also a very pragmatic manager, and he doesn't make irrational decisions because of his emotions. Riley is well aware that Butler's age and injuries have become an issue for the Heat to consider.
Riley has already said that if Butler continues to "mess around," he won't hesitate to trade him. Butler has one year left on his contract, but his future is full of unknowns. Will Butler stay with the Heat? Or will you choose to join another team?
How will Butler and the Heat's "love and kill" end? Perhaps only Riley and Butler themselves know!