The Miami Heat were supposed to extend their best player and blazing playoff star, Jimmy Butler’s deal. But at the worst time, a feud between him and Pat Riley has strained their relationship and future hopes of working together. The Heat’s President publicly condemned his star player’s comments, saying, “I thought, ‘Is that Jimmy trolling or is that Jimmy serious?” and now an extension seems highly unlikely. However, Butler doesn’t seem rattled.

The Miami side will enjoy another season of JB, post which he will opt to be a free agent. With everything set, the 34-year-old is enjoying his off-time. With him not having any commitments at the Paris Olympics, Jimmy Butler has had his calendar rather free. Enjoying the offseason, the Heat ace was seen enjoying his favorite genre of music – country. Rocking on the stage during a live concert, the former Wolves guard knew the entire lyrics to the trending song ‘A Bar Song’ by popular artist Shaboozey.

Butler has long showcased his admiration for country music. It stems from his time in Marquette, where he grew fond of country music. In January, he also revealed working on releasing an album in the foreseeable future. Believe it or not, Butler has over 60 songs in his own country vault and aims to have recorded at least 200 to choose from- that’s what he told Claire de Lune of The Guardian.

“There’s so many people out there, and I’m one of them, that are like, ‘Man, I can do that,’ and you really don’t know how difficult it is to make a No. 1 song. Humble yourself. It is incredibly fun. I’ve had a blast while doing it. But I will tell you that it’s not easy,” Jimmy said about curating an entire album. So, how have the fans taken to his interests outside the hardwood?

Fans seem to be okay with Jimmy Butler’s off-court interests with most having “nothing but respect” for his basketball commitment

The NBA universe is absolutely enjoying the carefree, offseason version of Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat guardian has indulged in a variety of activities, causing fans to say Butler is doing ‘side quests’. “His side quest are truly the best in the league” an X user wrote.

Apart from singing country music perfectly, Jimmy Butler even participated in a viral game of poker recently. The lineup included high-profile athletes such as Neymar, Ryan Garcia, and Dan Bilzerian. Just like his marvelous successes on the basketball court, Jimmy Buckets scooped a $200,000 pot in two hands during the tournament!

But that was only the start. However, some fans were displeased considering Butler has done everything but basketball this season. “Everything but basketball” a fan wondered. To some degree, it is true, that Jimmy Butler hasn’t shown much of his offseason work.

However, his work ethic is well respected around the NBA. Not only has he spent five years in the Heat Culture, but even LeBron James addressed his tenacity in 2022 after falling to the Heat in a regular season game. “I have nothing but respect for a guy that brings it every single night, brings his hard hat, punches his clock, leaves it all out on the floor,” he said.

Amongst the negativity, some saw a championship being the final piece of the puzzle for Jimmy Butler in Miami. Fans felt if he could get a ring, he would have achieved everything, amidst constant criticism about his unreliable fitness during every regular season. “My god he needs one ring. His side quests after he checks that box are gonna be legendary,” one of such remarks read.

Butler has come close to the elusive title. In 2020 he led the Miami Heat to an improbable Final. Then he repeated the feat in 2023, which is still one of his greatest postseason runs. Sadly, he fell short both times. With the current trajectory of his Miami future, it looks like this season will be his final attempt to win it. After this, if there is another Finals, Jimmy Butler will likely be in different colors.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video