Jimmy Butler missed the Miami Heat’s opening-round playoff matchup with Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics due to an MCL injury to his right knee. The All-Star shared his genuine feelings on the team and the city he plays for now that his offseason has begun.
In the 2011 NBA Draft, Butler was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 30th overall choice. The 6’7″ forward/guard was a bit of an afterthought during his first two years in the league, but he went on to establish a solid reputation for himself by performing well on both ends of the court.
The Bulls attempted to team Butler with Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, but the move ultimately backfired, as Butler was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2017–18 campaign. In 2018, the former Bulls standout, along with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, contributed to the team’s postseason drought ending.
Following a turbulent conclusion to his time as a Timberwolf and a 2019 Conference Finals defeat as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Butler was then dealt in a four-team trade to the Miami Heat. After that, the All-Star left his imprint by guiding the group to two NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023 as well as other postseason trips.
Jimmy Butler Reveals True Thoughts About Playing For Miami Heat Amid Trade Rumors
Butler’s deal with Miami still has two years left on it as of right now. Given his age of 34 and past medical history of injuries, experts anticipate that the Heat may at some point consider dealing him. He has, for his part, discussed the Heat in a tweet that Will Manso posted on X:
Jimmy Butler interviewed here at the Miami Grand Prix just now:
“I love that this is here in Miami. A city I adore and that I love.” pic.twitter.com/avKyHEWWfB
— Will Manso (@WillManso) May 4, 2024
Butler averaged 22.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while playing for the Heat for five seasons. During his stint in Miami, he was also selected for two All-Star games and was awarded the MVP of the Eastern Conference in 2023.
It is unclear if the Heat will retain Butler in order to compete going forward or move him in order to rebuild for the future. Still, a lot of eyes will be on Miami’s All-Star to see where he ends up in the upcoming months.