Miami Heat president Pat Riley has publicly spoken about Jimmy Butler‘s recent comments saying the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks “would be at home” if he played in the playoffs. In his exit interview, Riley simply said Butler “should keep [his] mouth shut” if he is not on the court.
For him to say that, I thought, is that Jimmy trolling or is that Jimmy serious? If you’re not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks you should keep your mouth shut and your criticism of those teams.”
Butler missed the entirety of Miami’s first-round playoff series loss to the Celtics after suffering a knee injury.
After Miami’s early playoff exit, there are a lot of unanswered questions about the future of the franchise. And more specifically, the future of Butler with the Heat.
Pat Riley Responds to Star Player’s Comments
Pat Riley is Not Considering Trading Jimmy Butler
Despite rumors that the team may trade Butler away, Riley confirmed that is not in the plans.
Pat Riley when asked if he would consider trading Jimmy Butler.
“No.”
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) May 6, 2024
Previously, reports suggested the Philadelphia 76ers had interest in a reunion with Butler. While nothing is official yet, it seems unlikely Butler will be on the move this summer.
Additionally, Riley said the team will consider signing Butler to a contract extension.
To me, this is money Riley quote as an undecided Heat decides whether to grant Butler’s request to change 2 year, 101 M deal into 3 yr, $161 M: “It’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources, unless you have someone who is going to be available every night.” https://t.co/PV3xc3A1z6
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 6, 2024
However, Miami’s president also made it clear they “have not discussed [an extension] internally” yet.
“We don’t have to do that for a year. We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment.”
Butler will turn 35 by the beginning of next season. Additionally, he is under contract for one more year before his player option needs to be exercised for the 2025-26 season. Although the season just ended for Miami, it does not appear drastic changes are going to happen.
The Last Word
All offseason, it will be worth monitoring Butler’s status with the Heat. In his five seasons in Miami, the Heat have made it three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances. However, it is possible the team has already reached their ceiling with Butler as their franchise player. Coming off a season-ending knee injury at his age is cause for concern. However, the Marquette alum has regularly defied the odds. A return to form certainly is not out of the picture for Butler.
Despite the early playoff exit and overall disappointing season, this team is one year removed from an appearance in the NBA Finals. For now, it will be interesting to see what the Heat do this summer.
