Heat star's continued tenure in Miami is far from guaranteed

The Miami Heat could move on from Jimmy Butler. The 34-year-old forward has been integral to Miami's success in recent years. He's established himself as one of the most reliable big-game performers in the NBA. However, Butler's advancing years and significant contract demands could thwart his chances of extending his stay in South Beach. 

NBC Sports insider Kurt Helin recently reported that the Heat could potentially look to move on from their star player during the offseason, but the likelihood is that Butler remains where he is.

"Despite what Pat Riley said at his press conference, there are rumblings from other teams that Miami could be open to parting ways with Jimmy Butler rather than extending him (although he most likely stays)," Helin reported. "Re-uniting Butler and Joel Embiid could work, something Fischer mentions at Yahoo Sports. He also notes DeMar DeRozan is a free agent, but that’s not an ideal fit."

Butler played in 60 regular-season games for the Heat this season. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He shot 49.9% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. However, an injury suffered during the play-in tournament sidelined him as the Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the opening round of the 2024 playoffs. 

Given his age and his increasing injury risk, the Heat may view now as the right time to try to recoup some assets and begin retooling their roster. Rebuilding around Bam Adebayo would be a wise move and could quickly pay dividends in an Eastern Conference that's improving year-on-year. Butler would undoubtedly have interested suitors around the league. 

Nevertheless, Butler will likely remain in Miami, at least for now. He has two more years left on his $146 million deal. He will earn $48.7 million in the upcoming season and $52.4 million if he opts into his player option for the 2025-26 season. Most teams around the NBA will likely be cautious of absorbing such a significant cap hit, especially for a 34-year-old who is showing signs of slowing down. 

Butler's future will continue to be a topic of conversation. The Heat must improve if they're going to compete for a championship. If they don't want to trade their younger players, then Butler is the only other logical option. Otherwise, the Heat will likely be back in the play-in tournament next season.