Remember when Michael Jordan finally ended his nearly two-year hiatus from playing basketball and officially unretired to rejoin the Bulls? “I’m Back.” The two-word message was all he needed to announce his comeback and send the hoop community into a frenzy. Well, Jimmy Butler went a similar route following his meeting with Heat owner Micky Arison as his seven-game suspension comes to an end. And addressing his future in Miami, he simply said “I’m Back.” But it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows going forward because sources confirmed that Butler’s Heat saga is far from over!

Although Jimmy will return to his role in the lineup for now, veteran insider Brian Windhorst confirmed that his top priority remains to be traded. So, don’t be surprised if the Heat part ways with him before the February deadline or later in the offseason. Turns out, the Heat front office will be watching Butler closely upon his return to assess if he’s giving maximum effort on the court.

Meanwhile, an anonymous source close to the star forward warned the Heat, “Jimmy hasn’t even really started.” Yes, the situation could escalate in the coming days despite the superstar returning to action for tonight’s Nuggets clash.

As per veteran insider Shams Charania, Butler made it clear during his meeting with Pat Riley that he might be done with the Heat, “Sources say that Jimmy Butler told Pat Riley to his face that he wants to be traded. That he will never again sign a contract in Miami. That if he has to utilize his $52 million player option in the offseason, it will only be used as a trade maneuver.” So, Pat Riley and Co. are likely to remain on the lookout for potential trade offers to end this saga once and for all. However, Erik Spoelstra hasn’t lost focus amid the ongoing drama.

Erik Spoelstra is ready to operate amid Jimmy Butler “Complexity”

Apart from announcing his comeback MJ style, Butler was also seen wearing the Jordan ‘45’ jersey on his IG stories. Of course, 45 was the number His Airness chose after he returned to the NBA from his baseball venture. But as the drama continues to escalate, coach Spo is more focused on getting his team to title contention, “We’re professionals. We’re fine. Ready for tonight’s game. That’s the only thing that matters.”

And as they prepare to face the Nuggets tonight, Spoelstra revealed the squad’s mindset upon Jimmy’s return, “Look, we work in a league of complexity. We’re in an unusual place right now, but really, all it is, is complex. And we fully plan on operating within this complexity. So, it’s my job to prepare this team and get them ready to play at a high level. And that’s what I’m doing. That’s what the plan is.”

Well, even if Butler fully intends to leave Miami, he is likely to give maximum effort during games because he is still a competitor at heart. Moreover, his problems might be with Riley but he is still on good terms with most of his teammates. And Jimmy would surely not want to let them down by lacking on the court. Do you agree?