Could Jimmy Butler influence what Kawhi Leonard decides in free agency?

Jimmy Butler‘s ties to Kawhi Leonard could influence what the two-time NBA champion decides to do if he reaches free agency this summer, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel explores.

Leonard holds a $36 million player option for the 2021-22 season and could choose to sign elsewhere — especially if the Clippers lose in the first round. Los Angeles is currently trailing Dallas 2-1 in its series.

Miami lost all four games to Milwaukee in its own series, becoming the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs despite reaching the Finals last fall. If Leonard chooses to explore his options, the Heat could offer a compelling role alongside Butler, Bam Adebayo and others — although they would need to create sufficient salary-cap space for him first.

There’s more out of Miami:

• The Heat could also pursue the likes of Kyle Lowry in free agency, although that situation is more complicated than some may realize, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald explores. Miami expressed interest in Lowry before the trade deadline but opted not to make a deal.
• Wunderman also examines whether a playoff lineup change is a sign of things to come in free agency. Miami opted to start Goran Dragic in place of Kendrick Nunn during its final two games of the series against Milwaukee, but Dragic mostly struggled. Nunn will enter restricted free agency this offseason, while Dragic has a $19.4 million team option for 2021-22.
• Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald looks back on the Heat’s underwhelming season and what comes next. Miami dealt with a shortened offseason, COVID issues and multiple injuries throughout the campaign, complicating its season from the start.