One thing is clear by now, and that is: the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler saga is far from over. Episodes that started in the 2024 off-season keep taking odd turns. First, the superstar is denied a contract extension because reportedly boss Pat Riley was doubtful about his availability. Then Butler turns down his $113 million extension in October. And now he’s trying everything to get himself out of Miami. What has this led to?

Jimmy Butler faced a seven-game suspension for “detrimental conduct” toward the team. He made his return last Friday against the Denver Nuggets. But trouble struck again. Miami suspended him once more—this time for missing a team flight. The announcement on their X handle sent shockwaves through fans. It felt eerily similar to when the Pelicans benched Zion Williamson right after his big return.

And now, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Heral has taken to his X handle to inform: “According to a source close to the situation, the expectation remains that Jimmy Butler will rejoin the Heat and be available for Monday’s home game vs. Magic. Whether the Heat plays Butler or not tomorrow remains to be seen. Butler plans to continue to make himself available.”

Wait a minute! Jimmy Butler wants to make himself available? For the Miami Heat? This is supposed to signify something, more like a win for Pat Riley as he might get to keep his superstar for the next season. Thus Jimmy Butler might get his contract extension and the $52 million player option from 2025-26 onwards. But, is this math so easy?

After so much grueling and “I want to be here and not there,” and “I want to get my joy back” this seems like a defeated 35-year-old All-Star forward. Very unlikely of Jimmy Butler, to be honest. But knowing what Pat Riley is capable of when it comes to trading his stars, the latest updates of the veteran hoopster should not be surprising.

Did Jimmy Butler submit to Pat Riley’s secret plan?

For long has Pat Riley been around in the NBA? Five decades or so. He knows the league in and out. So, for him to make his players stay in the team or make them leave is like a cakewalk. Here, you can say, that Jimmy Butler is stuck and he’s not happy with how the team has been treating him since last summer. But then, the boss did say that he wanted Jimmy on the team. So be it.

Besides, the trade market is closing in a week and the Miami Heat are waiting “patiently” for the best trade option for Butler. The Heat’s trade situation remains stuck, just like when Butler first voiced his frustration. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst broke it down on First Take recently. So, what’s the real issue? Teams just aren’t eager to push hard in negotiations. “Jimmy Butler isn’t going to extend with any team,” Windhorst remarked. “And so, because teams know that, they’re offering the Heat right now the poo-poo platter. There’s only one team that is ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants, and that’s the Phoenix Suns.”

Speaking of the Suns, they were or maybe are interested in having the 6x All-Star forward on the team alongside Kevin Durant. Their offer? A whopping $121 million that overtakes Pat Riley’s $113 million. However, there have been no reports that the two parties have discussed anything to shake hands on. Therefore, as of now, it looks like the Miami Heat boss has had his last laugh. He is about to keep Butler with his $52 million player option for 2025-26. And maybe, just maybe, the superstar hoopster seems to have accepted defeat.

Thus, Jimmy Butler’s future with the Heat remains a puzzle. His boss is holding the cards, and Butler seems trapped with no clear escape. The Suns’ interest lingers, but no deal is in sight and Memphis isn’t the spot the star is looking for. With the trade deadline looming, Miami’s patience could pay off. For now, Butler stays, but the question is—for how long?