The Jimmy Butler saga has become one of the biggest stories in the NBA this season. It was only a week ago that he expressed dissatisfaction with his current situation with the Heat, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon.” Soon after, he demanded a trade. In retaliation, Pat Riley suspended him for 7 games for “conduct detrimental to the team.” But while Jimmy continues to serve the penalty, Erik Spoelstra has remained rather tight-lipped about the whole situation.

Turns out, coach Spo is not answering any Butler-related questions from the media amid the sensitive circumstances. Meanwhile, the superstar has constantly been working out with assistant coach Octavio De La Grana and two more staff members ahead of his comeback game against the Nuggets next Friday. But Spoelstra refused to reveal the details about that as well, despite his private chat with Octavio, “Of course I’ve talked to him. I’m very close to coach. That’s between me and coach O, with all due respect.”

While the Heat actively seeks trade offers for Butler, veteran analyst Rachel Nichols believes the situation can still be fixed. However, it would require Bam Adebayo to play a crucial role, “Bam Adebayo I think does have this sort of friendship, been through the wars with Jimmy, I’m sure been very frustrated with Jimmy.” Yes, Bam and Jimmy have been teammates for six years, and together they have experienced the highs of reaching the NBA Finals and the lows of getting swept in the first round.

Surely, that bond means something to both superstars.

And Nichols has faith in Adebayo to look past how Butler has handled his drama in Miami, “Bam is essentially such a nice and good guy… I think he wants to see the good in people… My impression is if Bam is okay with it, if Erik wants to win and is OK with it, and if Jimmy comes in with a good attitude, I think that locker room gets fixed.” Sure enough, Adebayo is only one piece of the puzzle.

Jimmy Butler urged to change ‘attitude’ with belief of Erik Spoelstra accepting him for a chance to win

Of course, Bam will only look past his frustration if Butler is willing to make things work in Miami. And Nichols said, “What attitude he has, how he approaches things. I think that will make a huge difference, obviously. Because if it feels same old same old, no one’s gonna give him another chance.” Yes, Jimmy still has a $52.4 million player option for next season, which many believe the hoopster will decline. But it’s not the kind of money that a player can just walk away from. So, if Jimmy decides to give it another shot and spend another year in Miami with the right attitude, his teammates might have no problem with it.

Meanwhile, Spoelstra might also not bat an eye if Butler’s return results in winning. “Erik as we know just wants to win… If Jimmy can help him win and Jimmy has a good attitude and Jimmy is playing his heart out, Erik will be happy with that and he will want Jimmy back in that locker room because Erik wants to win.” Nichols remarked.

Even in this scenario, there is one major issue. Jimmy Butler’s relationship with Pat Riley. Well, it’s clear from the ongoing drama that they are not seeing eye to eye anymore. However, if the President cannot find a good exchange for Jimmy in the trade block, he might have to stick with him despite their differences. Because like it or not, there are very few players in the league better than JB at what he does. Do you think Jimmy should suck it up, reconsider his trade demand and stay with the Heat?