The Miami Heat have some huge decisions to make this season concerning their franchise cornerstone.
Miami has to first figure out if it’s still within an arm’s reach of the defending champion Boston Celtics or if the next couple of years are a lost cause.
If the Heat feel that they can give Boston a run for its money in 2024-25, that probably also means Miami will prioritize holding onto Jimmy Butler for one more playoff push this spring.
On the other hand, Miami has another, much younger superstar in Bam Adebayo, meaning that the Heat could move Butler elsewhere while still keeping a competitive team on the court for the foreseeable future.
Butler, 35, would surely attract his fair share of suitors were he to hit the market anytime soon. A contending team or a fringe contender would be highly interested, the Golden State Warriors falling into the latter classification.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently talked about the possibility that Butler lands in Golden State this season.
“Butler's demonstrated excellence in the biggest games would certainly have appeal to a Dubs team that may only have one last ride in it—if that,” Hughes said. “Of course, Butler also comes with massive financial concerns. He'll hit free agency after 2024-25 (assuming he declines his player option) and will likely want a pricey extension.”
Would Golden State feel that it can contend with a Stephen Curry-Butler-Draymond Green core? Each of these players is past their prime, but it might be worth a shot before all three are officially over the hill.
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