Jimmy Butler hoping to earn contract extension from Heat?

Jimmy Butler may say that a contract extension from the Miami Heat does not matter to him, but that may not actually be the truth.

During an episode of “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” that was published on Friday, Windhorst addressed Butler’s status with the Heat.

“As far as I know, I think Jimmy Butler wants to be in Miami. His goal is to get another contract from Miami,” Windhorst said.

Windhorst said that he believes Butler will probably forgo his player option for next season in favor of becoming a free agent.

Butler is making $48.8M this year and has a $52.4M player option for next season. He last signed a three-year, $146.4M extension with the Heat in 2021.

After the Heat had a disappointing season, Pat Riley expressed frustration with Butler. That may have been Riley’s way of trying to grab Butler’s attention to get the veteran focused for this season. And Butler may be accepting the challenge and trying to earn a new contract.

Butler said during the Heat’s media day that he needs to prove he is a “major part of winning.”