2 Heat Legends Serve As Reminder That Jimmy Butler’s Trade From Miami Heat Is Highly Unlikely

Amidst all the trading rumors currently engulfing the NBA world. The one name standing out more prominently than others is that of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. According to ‘The Philadelphia Inquirer’ journalist Keith Pompey. Sources reveal that the franchise is preparing to trade Butler off rather than retain him for a two-year, $113 million extension. This would be a complete contrast to what the player, and his agent Bernie Lee, had desired. However, despite the claim of the sources, two renowned NBA legends that the Heat will not part with one of its most valuable assets.

A few hours ago, three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem returned for another segment of ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ show. During the same, the topic of discussion was shifted towards questioning whether the Los Angeles Lakers could acquire Jimmy Butler as part of a trade. They recently let go of their head coach Darvin Ham and are actively looking for his replacement. The franchise has shown that they are open to making changes. However, the former Heat star believes that the LeBron James-led roster would probably be the last people to get their hands on Jimmy Butler.

“(Lakers) have a better chance of getting Bronny then they do Jimmy” said Haslem as the interviewers around him let out a laugh. “You gotta go through me. I’m standing at the county line.” The ‘Bronny’ remark was a reference to Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of LeBron James. Having already submitted his name for the NBA Draft, several reports have been indicating that the young player may end up joining his father in the LA roster.

Haslem’s recent remarks came barely a few days after he had stated that LeBron James would be better off returning to the Miami Heat if he ever exits the Lakers. He even wrote this so that he isn’t compelled to change his opinion later on. Given that Haslem played for the Heats for 20 years before retiring in 2023, it would make sense for him to continue remaining loyal.

Another Heat legend to send out his support to Jimmy Butler was Miami Heat president Pat Riley. According to NBA journalist Wes Goldberg, when the 79-year-old was asked if he would consider trading Jimmy Butler, he replied with a simple “No”. Riley’s one-worded remark comes almost a month after he criticized Butler. He claimed that the Heat would have defeated the Celtics and the Knicks in the playoffs if he had been healthy enough to play. The Heat president shut his player down by stating “If you are not on the court playing against Boston or playing against New York, you should keep your mouth shut.” Despite this issue, Riley was still confident. Neither he nor the rest of the management would part ways with the small forward.

Can the Philadelphia 76ers acquire Jimmy Butler?

According to his current contract, Jimmy Butler is set to make over $48.8 million next season. A player option would increase his pay to $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. However, according to reports, the player is currently looking to close a two-year, $113 million max extension deal with his current franchise. If the Heat does not go through with this, then one team that can offer the player what he wants is the Philadelphia 76ers.

‘The Philadelphia Inquirer‘ journalist Keith Pompey recently revealed that the 76ers are looking at the Heat star as a fallback option if Paul George does not sign with them during the free agency. Furthermore, he also stated that the franchise is “prepared” to give Butler a maximum salary extension if he chooses to exit his existing team. The 76ers are certainly “prepared” since they have over $65 million available in cap space. They have $9.5 million more than what Butler is expecting to get paid per year.

Jimmy Butler had spent a season with the Philadelphia 76ers before engaging in a sign-and-trade process with the Miami Heat. Along with having a sense of familiarity return to the roster, the player will also fill the leadership role of Paul George if he chooses to not remain with the team. Butler is looking for a max extension and the franchise is looking for a potential Paul George replacement. The two entities can certainly help out each other.