Jimmy Butler is reportedly planning to test the free-agent waters in 2025 regardless of where he plays for next season.
Shams Charania of Stadium reported the star does not plan to sign an extension anywhere next season and will opt out of his current contract after next season:
The report comes after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Butler plans to remain with the Miami Heat amid trade rumors.
“From what I understand, Jimmy Butler is going to plan to be back with the Miami Heat next year,” Windhorst said during a Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “And even if there’s no extension, he’s going to focus on next season.”
Anthony Slater of The Athletic wrote on May 30 that he would expect the Golden State Warriors to “enter the conversation” if the Heat chose to shop Butler.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer also reported on May 28 that the Philadelphia 76ers view the All-Star forward as a “fallback option” after pursuing Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George.
Butler has two years remaining on a three-year extension worth $146.4 million that he signed with Miami in 2021. However, he could enter free agency after the 2024-25 season by declining a $52.4 million player option (via Spotrac).
Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported on May 2 that Butler was searching for a two-year contract worth roughly $113 million from the Heat, which would begin in place of his 2025-26 player option.
Team president Pat Riley seemed hesitant to offer the 34-year-old an extension when speaking to reporters on May 6.
“That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night,” Riley said.
Butler hasn’t suited up in more than 64 games in a single season since he joined the Heat, although he’s proved to be a valuable two-way star when healthy. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game on 49.9/41.4/85.8 shooting splits during the 2023-24 season.
He’s also been immensely successful in the playoffs, as the Heat have made a conference finals appearance in two of the past three seasons. This includes Miami’s trip to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Despite his production, Butler’s future remains unsettled.
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