The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are stuck at what seems to be an irrecoverable crossroads. Days after Pat Riley claimed the organization wouldn’t trade Butler, the 35-year-old practically announced his intentions to want to leave. “I’m happy here off the court” he told the media. As far as regaining his joy while donning a Heat jersey, his answer put things into perspective. “Probably not,” Butler said who is currently in the last year of his contract.

For someone who has led the team to two NBA Finals, not landing an extension in the summer complicated his relationship with Riley. Still, some fans remain hopeful for a resolution. But is it possible for Butler to achieve this when even Dwyane Wade, a Heat icon, couldn’t secure an extension?

This goes back to the 2016 offseason. Wade, who even has a county named after him in Vice City opted out of his contract to renegotiate terms. Prior to this, he had made all the sacrifices. The three-time NBA champion took several financial cuts to ensure the team remains competitive. Yet, after signing a one-year, $20 million extension, he wanted his past sacrifices to be rewarded.

The Heat’s first offer? A measly two-year $20 million deal which Dwyane Wade probably scoffed at. At 34, he was contributing heavily. Yet, after continued negotiations, there seemed to be no amicable pathway. This is why D-Wade, the pride of the Heat organization decided to join the Chicago Bulls for a two-year $47 million contract.

The franchise has now arrived at the same spot. Jimmy Butler proved to be the face of the Heat’s recent success. Yet, not only did he not receive an extension, but the organization reportedly looked for trades before the season. The question remains: Can Pat Riley bring himself to admit a mistake?

Pat Riley Expressed His Regret About The Dwyane Wade Situation

When Wade did join the Chicago Bulls, he was aware there would be talks about his relationship with Pat Riley. “First of all, I love Pat. He has a job to do. He has a different hat to wear” he said about the situation. Both of them never shared a tense dynamic as is in the case of Jimmy Butler and the team president.

However, Wade did acknowledge that the business side of the NBA led to his decision. Still, Riley admired The Flash. After all, he was the epitome of commitment and loyalty for the franchise. And as resilient as he might be, the legendary coach took accountability. “I have great regret that I didn’t put myself in the middle of it and immerse myself totally in the middle of it,” said the 79-year-old. 

Yet, even though he wanted Wade to return back then, Riley still put the team first. He ensured the three-time champ would get back the money he left on the table “but not at the expense of paralyzing our ability to win”. Now with Butler in this situation, it seems the Heat organization is viewing this season through the same lens..

Riley may not be as ecstatic about bringing the productive forward back. However, with a year left on his contract and Butler’s ability to deliver in the postseason, a trade would hamper the Heat’s competitive standings. So even though not playing with “joy”, the former Bulls star still plays with a drive to win when on the floor.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Heat would let Butler walk while not receiving an equally glittering asset in return. Rest assured if the Miami Heat are back in title contention, the franchise believes Jimmy Butler’s character will compel him to chase the potential of winning a championship with all his might.

So it could be 50 more games of somber for Butler. But it doesn’t look like the Heat will budge till the end of the season unless a tempting offer presents itself. Which player do you think Pat Riley would consider altering his stance for in this scenario? Let us know your views in the comments below.