Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will likely opt out of the final year of his contract in 2025-26 to join next summer’s batch of free agents.
This wasn’t always the plan, as Butler was hoping to secure a contract extension with Miami this offseason. In fact, Butler has said he wants to retire with the Heat. Now, just because a player says that or is said to feel that way doesn’t mean it’s true. Even if it’s a verifiable fact, feelings can change.
Heat’s Jimmy Butler ‘Likes’ Surprise Team, Preparing For Free Agency
Anyone who has watched Butler since he signed with Miami can see he truly loves playing there. Despite a fiery exchange after the Heat were eliminated from the playoffs, they’ve appeared to be fond of him as well. After all, Butler embodies many of the qualities associated with ‘Heat culture.’ He’s a tough grinder with an underdog mentality. He’s physical at both ends but, most importantly, a dogged defender.
Yet, while Butler may be worth the maximum when he does play, his value is impacted by his injury history. He’s hardly alone in this. Nonetheless, it’s the primary reason that he hasn’t been offered the extension he wants. With Heat president Pat Riley not budging on this stance, there isn’t much he can do about it either. His best hope would be to play at least 70 games next season and to be available throughout the playoffs.
Only then may have proven to Riley that he’s durable enough for a max deal.
Butler may bypass this trial by fire by jumping ship. There are three teams that are projected to have at least $60 million in cap space next offseason. All it takes is one.
With that being said, the New York Post’s Brian Lewis reports that Butler “likes (the) Brooklyn (Nets).” The Nets are projected to have $80.1 million in cap space offseason, largely due to Ben Simmons’s $40.4 million contract coming off the books.
“The odds of him picking up his player option are slim unless he agrees to a max deal with the Heat beforehand.”
Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson will be the Nets’ only players without an option or non-guaranteed salary next offseason.
Two Different Timelines
Nets owner Joe Tsai he wants to take a more patient approach to building Brooklyn’s roster. Both he and new head coach Jordi Fernandez have discussed methods for sustainable success. Trading Mikal Bridges for multiple first-round picks only adds to the sense their team will be going through a long rebuild.
As a result, even if Butler wants to join the Nets, the feeling might not be mutual.
Butler is looking to win his first NBA championship. The Nets are still coming trying to come into their own. After multiple attempts to shortcut the process, they may not have much of an appetite for the 35-year-old.
Everything’s Bigger In Texas
Interestingly enough, the Houston Rockets are projected to have $110.1 million in cap space next offseason, the most in the NBA. Butler, a Texas native, grew up less than an hour away from Houston. While there aren’t any indications that he wants to go back home to play, the Rockets are a more realistic free agent destination than the Nets.
Houston has regained their status as a playoff contender, but they want to be more than that. A six-time All-Star who has averaged 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game since 2014-15, Butler can help them get there. Furthermore, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s emphasis on toughness and defense makes Butler a dream addition.
