Jimmy Butler has two years remaining on his three-year, $146.4M deal. The ultimate yr of his contract is a participant possibility, and the veteran ahead is extensively anticipated to choose out of it.
Butler, 34, might turn into an unrestricted free agent on the finish of the upcoming season and go away the Miami Heat for nothing in the event that they’re unable to barter an extension.
Current reporting from Brian Lewis of the New York Submit has linked Butler with a transfer to the Brooklyn Nets.
“The chances of him selecting up his participant possibility are slim except he agrees to a max take care of the Warmth beforehand,” Lewis wrote. “The six-time All-Star is probably the most completed standout on that [free agent] listing not named [LeBron] James, and he likes Brooklyn, in accordance with sources near the participant.”
Brooklyn is at present within the early levels of a roster rebuild. Its resolution to commerce Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks firstly of the offseason has ensured It has a deep battle chest of draft picks to reflect its rising listing of younger expertise.
As such, Brooklyn has loads of flexibility if it chooses to turn into a participant within the commerce market.
That flexibility seems to be engaging for Butler. On Saturday, Lewis doubled down on his reporting of Butler’s curiosity in Brooklyn by noting how the veteran is “fond” of the potential transfer.
“Butler isn’t simply open to Brooklyn, however keen on it, sources instructed The Submit,” Lewis wrote. “Now, he’s not a Internet and he may by no means get near turning into one. However to dismiss the chance out of hand is silly.”
Brooklyn is without doubt one of the solely groups within the NBA that might simply afford Butler’s wage subsequent summer time, too. According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, the Nets might have between $44M and $65M in cap house subsequent summer time, making it straightforward to soak up Butler into their squad.
“The Mikal Bridges commerce clearly put the Nets in a brand new section,” Hollinger reported. “That doubtless includes wielding cap house in the summertime of 2025; proper now, they’re projected to have between $44 million and $65 million and will simply open up extra by making trades involving Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and others after getting again their 2025 and 2026 first-round draft picks from the Houston Rockets this summer time.”
In a vacuum, Butler shifting to the Nets subsequent summer time can be greatest for everybody concerned. The Warmth would have some scope to start rebuilding their workforce round Bam Adebayo, Butler would get one final alternative to spearhead a workforce and the Nets would have a star expertise to promote when recruiting different gamers from across the league.
However, the Nets needs to be cautious of Butler’s age. He is begun to indicate indicators of slowing down. He’s within the remaining levels of his profession. Until they’re assured they will encompass him with a contending-level roster throughout the first yr or two of his contract, his match on the roster will not make sense.
Nonetheless, if an opportunity to land Butler in free company arises, it is going to be extremely troublesome to show down. Miami has a choice to make, and the clock is already ticking.
