An organic end. That’s what every Miami fan wishes for Jimmy Butler. The 6x All-Star embodies the Heat culture so well that it’s honestly difficult to imagine an end to the Butler era outside of him retiring in the Heat uniform. However, both Miami and their franchise superstar continue to walk on eggshells around each other. Not the ideal situation, but not uncommon, either. Yet, it seems like this unpleasant scenario could very well turn into an advantage if they so wish.

Zach Lowe has come up with this fresh take, not before he admitted to being carried away by the discussion of Jimmy’s future, in the latest episode of The Lowe Post. According to the ESPN vet, Miami is a legitimate contender with ‘Jimmy Buckets’. It’s a fact that even Pat Riley, despite his pointed criticisms, admits. Lowe further added that a healthy Butler-led team could prove to be a serious threat to the top four teams in the East.

But how can this all come to be? The simple answer – Butler’s $52 million player option. “I just know that I would not just throw the $52 million player option he has for 25-26 into the garbage like a non-thing. That’s a big safety net just sitting there,” the senior NBA insider iterated. “But I have learned over the years to never bury Miami, never doubt Miami, to always have the requisite respect for the Heat.”

“Not only does history suggest one of these teams is going to snag a top-four seed, which means Milwaukee or Philly, New York, God forbid Boston, is not going to be in the top four. History suggests one of these three or four teams is going to win a playoff series. It’s just not going to line up with the four favorites with chalk all the way through.”

If we go back in history, the Boston Celtics lead the above-mentioned group with the number of times they have snagged a top-four position at 33. It’s followed by the Sixers (19), Knicks (16), and both the Heat and Bucks 15 times. However, and this is where it gets interesting, the ‘Sunshine City’ promptly outranks all of them in the all-time playoff record. With the exception of Boston.

But it is by no means a failure. In fact, the two are tied at 21 wins each. As far as the rest of them go, the Heat clearly holds the reins.

• Miami vs Philadelphia: 9-7
• Miami vs New York: 19-16
• Miami vs Milwaukee: 12-6

So, perhaps Lowe is on to something there. Now, this is just in case of Butler opting into that player option or if the franchise decides to keep him for the upcoming season. However, going back to reality, we have to take into account the loud trade rumors.

The two major landing places for Jimmy Butler amid accelerated trade rumors

Ranking at the top is, of course, the Brooklyn Nets. New York holds a certain allure to hoopers of all sizes, ages, and interests. But perhaps, more importantly, the Nets possess the financial flexibility to accommodate Butler’s contract. Interestingly, though, the latest chatter is that there’s yet another convincing aspect – Ben Simmons.

The Marquette alum’s agent, Bernie Lee, who is also Simmons’ agent, was full of praise for the franchise for how they handled Ben’s situation. Despite his continuous injuries, the Nets have been patient. In addition, the two were teammates for a brief time in the Sixers in 2019. During the period, they led the team to a deep playoff run, only for the then-Raptors superstar, Kawhi Leonard to drop his insane buzzer-beater in Game 7.

With Simmons steadily getting back in shape, perhaps Butler is looking to finish what they couldn’t then. The second place is the Bay Area. The Warriors are yet to find a proper second superstar to fill in the place of Klay Thompson. Sure, they went star hunting, but none really worked out. As for Jimmy’s fit in the Dubs; well, we can all agree that he is no Kevin Durant.

But what he does bring is a defense unlike anything else. With a deadly shooter like Stephen Curry, the 6’7 forward’s mid-range heavy game would prove to be lethal. And given Jimmy Butler stays healthy, the Golden State is going to be dangerous in the postseason. After all, they are vying for a title run under Steph.

Well, what do you think? Will the Heat keep him? Or will they be shopping Butler very soon? Let us know in the comments.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.