Jimmy Butler could seek historic contract extension
Late in July, Jaylen Brown made headlines as he signed a record contract extension with the Boston Celtics, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history. As the salary cap continues to rise and players become extension-eligible, Brown's deal will likely fall down the pay scale.
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinal, Jimmy Butler could seek a contract extension of his own. Assuming the Miami Heat decided to provide Butler with such an extension, it would likely eclipse Brown's, potentially making him the highest-paid player in the NBA.
"In fact, should Lillard be acquired, or perhaps even not, expect Butler to move to the front burner with his right to move into negotiations for an extension of a contract that otherwise expires in 2025-26 at $52.4 million that season (Lillard is due $58.6 million that season)," Winderman wrote, adding Butler would be "in essence asking for something even beyond Jaylen Brown money."
Butler was one of the most dominant stars of the 2023 NBA playoffs. After a season of struggle, the Heat battled their way through the play-in tournament before defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Celtics en route to the NBA Finals. Butler's performances were the catalyst behind that run. However, the Heat should be wary about paying their star forward based on past success.
Butler will be 36 when he enters the final year of his current deal, which is a player option worth $52.4 million. Any extension would likely see Butler become one of the best-paid players in the NBA heading into his late thirties. For a player who relies on his physicality when driving the lane, committing a significant portion of the cap to Butler so late in his career is a legitimate risk.
Nevertheless, NBA careers are no longer done by the time a player reaches 35. LeBron James and Chris Paul are both examples of how sports science is extending the careers of the league's elite. If Butler can remain healthy and continue to produce at his current level, a big-time extension may await him in the not-too-distant future.
More must-reads: