The Jimmy Butler saga? Oh, it’s far from over. Every day brings a new plot twist, and Miami Heat fans can’t seem to catch their breath. Now, the drama’s got some fresh faces. Enter: Kevin Durant’s crew. Pat Riley? He’s caught between a rock and a hard place. On one side, he wants to get his 6x All-Star back on track. On the other, the Suns are stirring things up. What’s next in this ever-evolving story?

Let’s go one step at a time. Jimmy Butler’s “detrimental conduct” led to a seven-game suspension. Simply put, the hoopster’s open honesty about not being willing to be with the team led to the harsh decision. But you could say a lot of past episodes also led to what Pat Riley did with his superstar. To begin with, Jimmy Butler did not get a contract extension in the summer break and then refused his $113 million extension.

Since then, the trade market has been speculating that the 35-year-old would want his way out. And the prayers are turning into reality for many, like the Phoenix Suns. Reports say Butler is willing to sign with only one team and that is the Suns. But why this sudden change of mind? Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Durant’s ex-teammate from his OKC Thunder days might have the answer.

Jimmy Butler’s suspension might have fueled Suns’ ambition as they seek to overtake Pat Riley

So after the whole conversation about Jimmy preferring the Warriors, Rockets, and Mavs as his next home. A new player has entered the market. Yes, the forward “has let it be known around the NBA he will only sign a new contract with one team: the Suns,” reported Forbes’ Evan Sidery. We know, Butler never does or says anything without an intention. And for someone who’s getting all the attention of the world now, even his smallest movements would mean something big.

Big Perk says: “It’s about two things. Okay. It’s about money. From my sources, they’re telling me the Suns have a two-year, $121 million extension waiting on Jimmy.” So, Pat Riley was willing to pay $113 million for two years. But now, Phoenix‘s front office wants to go an extra $8 million to outplay Mr. Riley. This means, Jimmy Butler would get a bit more than $60 million a year for his presence in Phoenix.

Most importantly, “It’s about relationships and the relationship is Jimmy Butler and Kevin Durant,” Perkins continued. “Phoenix- yes, the organization- they want them. Do you know why? Because Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler. And if he does get Jimmy Butler, which I believe he will, they’re both going to sign contract extensions. KD  is going to sign as well.”

What will happen to Devin Booker’s future then? Surely, the team would want Jimmy Butler to pair up with the ever-fierce Kevin Durant more than anything. And knowing how well these two gel up, the front office would go to a greater extent to bring the duo together. Even if it means to lure the 35-year-old with an added $8 million. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are preparing to bring their superstar back on the court. Is it some sort of damage control?

Will Butler’s end of suspension see his comeback?

Jimmy Butler has not played in any of the Miami Heat‘s past three games, sidelined since the team’s 2 Jan loss against the Indiana Pacers. Of course, we know, he’s not ill or injured, but rather suspended for saying he’s losing his joy of playing basketball (with Miami). With their star player out, the Heat have won just one out of their three games so far. Not great, but four more games until the All-Star forward comes back.

Team sources reveal that Heat officials informed players it was most likely for Jimmy Butler to rejoin them post-suspension. However, the decision to sideline him during this trip allows the team to resolve underlying issues thoroughly at home, avoiding distractions on the road. “With Butler’s actions on and off the court seen by Heat officials as increasingly problematic, team sources say they opted to sit him out for the entirety of the road trip.” 

This simply means that the Miami Heat want their superstar back in the lineup as soon as the seven-game suspension ends. However, this could be one of the ways to show that they ‘care’ for Jimmy Butler. And that they are a better option than the new $121 million temptation. But as of now, nothing can stop the trade as both parties seem to have arrived on a similar platform. What’s going to happen next? Stay tuned!