Miami is hesitant to commit to a contract extension for Jimmy Butler, as he may ask for a max extension worth around $113 million. Despite this, Miami’s president Pat Riley firmly stated that there are no plans to trade Butler this summer. During a 40-minute media session, Riley addressed questions about Butler and his potential contract extension. He emphasized the importance of making a commitment to a player who will be available consistently, as the Heat faced challenges with players missing games due to injuries last season.
Riley highlighted the need to have players on the court consistently in his press conference. The team used many different starting lineups and saw multiple players miss games last season, impacting their ability to establish rhythm and chemistry. Despite this, the focus kept returning to Butler, particularly after his comments at the F1 Grand Prix in Miami criticizing other teams. Riley responded by advising Butler to focus on playing rather than making critical comments about other teams.
As the Heat look to potentially add another star player this summer, the situation with Butler’s contract remains a factor to watch. If Butler does not receive the contract he desires, it could create further tension and uncertainty within the team. Ultimately, Miami faces important decisions regarding Butler’s future with the team and how they plan to handle his contract situation.
