Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is determined to prove himself worthy of a maximum contract this season.
This motivation could push Butler to a limit never seen during his tenure with the Heat. The organization made limited roster changes over the summer while others in the Eastern Conference reconstructed their entire rotation.
It’s tough for NBA fans to put their hope in the Heat considering improvements around them, but Butler’s motives are just the answer, according to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale.
“Sure, Jimmy Butler will be 35 on opening night. And yes, he’s always going to miss some time (22 games last season),” Favale wrote. “But should we really count out a Heat franchise built around contract-year Jimmy Butler (2025-26 player option)? After his own team president, Pat Riley, basically ruled out an extension before the offseason truly started?”
It’s all a matter of how the Heat are positioned once the postseason comes around. A Play-In Tournament appearance feels inevitable, but the health of Butler and the rest of the core is a mystery.
The Heat are no strangers to dealing with injury problems, meaning another year-full could derail any chances of playoff success. Alternatively, a healthy Heat lineup still poses a threat to almost any championship contender, with Butler hunting a max deal.
NBA Scout Weighs In On Miami Heat’s Crowded Backcourt
Tyler Herro Sees Single Obstacle Holding Miami Heat Back From A Championship
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.
Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook HERE.
Yesterday, ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnarowski shocked the NBA world announcing his retirement from journalism to become General Manager of St Bonaventure basketbal
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox.Hey, it’s Zach Harper! I
The NBA currently has 30 teams, but that will likely change in the near future as the league looks to expand to 32. In a recent article on ESPN, multiple contri
In an ironic twist, the New York Knicks are being used to advance de facto free agency negotiations.ESPN has a massive void to fill after Wednesday, as longtime