Riley: Jimmy Butler Won't Be Traded Amid NBA Rumors; Heat Haven't Talked New Contract
May 6, 2024
Miami Heat president Pat Riley revealed on Monday that the front office has not held internal discussions regarding a contract extension for star Jimmy Butler, although a trade doesn't seem to be on the table.
Riley told Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press that "we haven't in earnest discussed" an extension and noted that the Heat have until 2025 to decide on a potential offer.
However, the executive responded with a simple "no" when asked if Miami would consider trading Butler due to his contract situation (per Wes Goldberg of The Ringer).
Butler will reportedly seek a new two-year extension worth $113 million over the summer, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. This would represent the maximum value that he could earn on an extension under the terms of his current deal.
The 34-year-old has two years left on a three-year, $146.4 million contract that he previously signed with the Heat during the 2021 offseason, per Spotrac. Butler also has a player option worth just over $52.4 million for his 2025-26 campaign.
If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement on an extension, some have speculated that a trade could be in the works. ESPN's Brian Windhorst brought up the Philadelphia 76ers as a potential trade partner for the Heat if Butler is available.
Get Up @GetUpESPN"The player at the top of their list is Paul George."<a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WindhorstESPN</a> thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram's situations 👀 <a href="https://t.co/bRVVY1XeeO">pic.twitter.com/bRVVY1XeeO</a>
The six-time All-Star has become the face of the franchise since he arrived in a 2019 trade, leading the Heat to NBA Finals appearances in 2020 as well as 2023. He's repeatedly improved his performances in the postseason, averaging 24.7 points and 6.8 rebounds to go along with 5.7 assists per game in 64 playoff games with Miami.
His 2023-24 campaign wasn't as memorable, as he averaged a relatively modest 20.8 points and 5.3 rebounds each night although an MCL injury prevented him from playing during the team's five-game defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
While Miami has not yet discussed whether or not it will offer Butler an extension, the front office doesn't appear to be entertaining any trade talks involving Butler.