Report: Jimmy Butler 'likes' Nets as free-agent destination

The Nets officially entered rebuild mode this offseason by trading their best player, Mikal Bridges, to the Knicks. However, their path back to relevancy could be fast-tracked 12 months from now with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Butler "likes" Brooklyn as a free-agent destination next summer if he's unable to ink a long-term contract extension with the Heat. The report added that Butler, who owns a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, is widely expected to turn down the option to seek a new long-term contract as a free agent. 

"The odds of him picking up his player option are slim unless he agrees to a max deal with the Heat beforehand," Lewis wrote. "The six-time All-Star is the most accomplished standout on that [free agent] list not named [LeBron] James, and he likes Brooklyn, according to sources close to the player."

The Heat are clearly not enthused about offering max money to the 34-year-old Butler, who missed a combined 65 games over his last three seasons. During his season-ending news conference, Heat boss Pat Riley was upfront about not going all-in on Butler, questioning the star wing's availability and endurance. When Riley made those comments, it seemed inevitable that Miami would move Butler instead of losing him for nothing as a free agent next year. 

Yet, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported in July that the "Heat is [sic] not shopping Butler" and intends to play out the 2024-25 season before reassessing the situation next summer. 

One thing is for certain: Butler seems determined to prove his worth as he auditions for possibly the final big-money contract of his career. The Houston native has been spotted hooping at various Pro-Am events this summer and also participated in Yao Ming's charity event in China last week. 

Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season.