Jimmy Butler wants to remain with the Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler did not play in the 2023-24 postseason after suffering a MCL sprain in the play-in tournament. The Miami Heat were quickly eliminated in the first-round, falling in five games to the Boston Celtics. The six-time All-Star has been the subject of trade rumors as he is eligible to opt of his contract following next season.

Shams Charania recently reported that Butler wants to remain with the Heat. Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the NBA insider stated:

Pat Riley said a couple interesting things. One is they really don’t have to make a decision on Jimmy Butler until next year when his contract is up, when he has a player option. He’s got [$48] million next season, $52 million player option for 25-26 and there are teams, clearly, out there that would extend Jimmy Butler if they had him and they were able to trade for him.

He’s clearly wanted to be in Miami. He’s seen that as a perfect marriage, of sorts… He’s always made it clear he wants to be in Miami long term. It’s going to be about will they be able to pay him what he wants.

Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game during the regular season while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range and 85.8% from the free-throw line. His season was cut short due to an MCL sprain suffered in Miami’s play-in tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite suffering the injury in the first quarter, he remained in the game, playing 39:39.

"[Jimmy Butler] has always made it clear he wants to be in Miami long term, it's going to be about will they be able to pay him what he wants."@ShamsCharania on Jimmy Butler's future in Miami pic.twitter.com/nZnQUpeTZg

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 7, 2024

Philadelphia 76ers expected to target Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler spent 55 games as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018-19. The organization famously opted to re-sign Tobias Harris over the six-time All-Star. Philadelphia reportedly has interest in a reunion, however, if he is moved this summer. Brian Windhorst shared the news on Get Up, stating:

The first name to watch is Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. He has got two years left on his contract.

The 76ers will have a projected $60 million in cap space prior to re-signing Tyrese Maxey. After a disappointing first-round exit, they are expected to be active in both free agency and the trade market. Windhorst mentioned Paul George and Brandon Ingram as other targets for Philadelphia.

"The player at the top of their list is Paul George."@WindhorstESPN 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 👀 pic.twitter.com/bRVVY1XeeO

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 3, 2024

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