The Miami Heat came in strong in the playoffs, aiming for glory, but injuries got the best of them. Jimmy Butler was injured during the Play-In tournament and he missed the entirety of the playoffs. However, as the shooting guard looks for an extension, the Heat have already compensated his teammate. Bam Adebayo, who’s been a terrific asset of the Heat deserves all the praise for his contribution. Having played in Miami ever since Adebayo has stamped his name as a Heat in the history books.

According to Shams Charania, the Heat are willing to offer a three-year maximum extension worth $166 million to their center. This contract will keep him through the 2028-29 season. Whereas for Butler, he won’t be looking elsewhere despite not being offered an extension this year. “From what I understand Jimmy Butler plans to be back with Miami Heat next year. And even if there is no extension, he’s going to focus on next season, he’s got a player option in the summer of 2025 next year. There’s teams that have definitely said ‘Hey are you looking to get out?’. And I think he said, ‘I’m solid in Miami’… I think Jimmy Butler is gonna be with the Heat this season.“, said Brian Windhorst.

Butler’s leadership has been visible, with the 2023 playoff run being the biggest example. The Heat have been decent in the regular season and one of the most dominant squads in the postseason. Once healthy, Butler and the Heat can make it out of the East next year. They’ve done it twice before and with the current roster in place, Miami is still a threat in the East.

With guys like Jaquez Jr., Martin, and Richardson proving to be great assets, it takes the load off of Butler and Adebayo. Bam will be playing in Miami for the next five years, as the center is deserving of his next possible extension. This puts a lot of pressure on the Heat to meet Butler with the same value probably by next year.

Is Jimmy Butler eligible for an extension?

In the next offseason, Butler can look to opt out with a guaranteed $52.4 million. While it would be better to offer him an extension this year, the Heat will try to pay him similarly to Adebayo’s contract. However, Butler’s focus is on winning a championship. The 34-year-old made a trip to the Finals twice but hasn’t been able to get a ring under his name. Butler’s constant efforts have been visible and if he continues to put up the same performance, he will be eligible for a three-year max extension next year.

On the other hand, the Heat will look to add useful assets, especially shooters. Miami struggled from beyond the arc in the postseason. They can definitely use some help from a Three and D player. It will be interesting to see the Heat next year, as they’ll look to maintain their presence as that of a contender in the East.

What are your thoughts on Butler and the Heat? Do you think Butler is worth a max extension worth over $160 million? Let us know in the comments.

For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.