(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
For the last several seasons, it has felt like Jimmy Butler has been the face of the Miami Heat.
The team’s fans love him and he has said he would like to retire in Miami.
But his days playing in the “Heat culture” might be over.
According to John Hollinger, per NBACentral, there are “increasingly loud whispers” that Butler may be leaving the Heat.
“Jimmy Butler is extension-eligible, but between his declining play this season and the constant absences, there are increasingly loud whispers that his future might not be in Miami,” Hollinger reported.
There are ‘increasingly loud whispers’ that Jimmy Butler’s future might not be in Miami, per @johnhollinger
“Jimmy Butler is extension-eligible, but between his declining play this season and the constant absences, there are increasingly loud whispers that his future might not… pic.twitter.com/egMQKuAlQi
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 4, 2024
Apparently, the team is thinking of a future where Bam Adebayo is the “keeper of Heat Culture.”
Butler has been with the Heat for five seasons and has averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during that time.
He has helped the team with multiple runs in the playoffs and two appearances in the Finals.
He has become the team’s leader and has helped the culture and chemistry of the roster.
Butler is angling for a new contract extension this summer but that comes right after the Heat have lost in the opening round of the playoffs.
They are contemplating some big changes and one of them might be a future without Butler.
If Butler were to part ways with Miami, there could be multiple teams attempting to sign him.
Although he has had more injuries lately and is about to turn 35, Butler can still bring a lot to an NBA franchise.
The Heat have some time to consider their options before they commit to anything.
There was a time when it felt that Butler would never leave Miami, but things might have changed.
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