Miami Heat: Concerns about Jimmy Butler continue to grow
With the Miami Heat’s 2018-19 campaign tipping off in a week, it might be best for them to leave Jimmy Butler behind.
At this point, more than just Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves fans are weighing in on the Jimmy Butler drama.
With Butler supposedly requesting a trade from the organization because of some personal issues with Karl-Anthony Towns (who just signed an extension this summer), after having forced Chicago to reunite him with former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, all eyes have been on the forward for the past few months.
Even more so now that talks between the two franchises reportedly stalled over the weekend, as Minnesota management has continued to ask for too high of a price for Butler.
Still, both parties seem set on figuring out a way to make things work.
After talks fell apart over weekend, Miami's still pursuing discussions with Minnesota on a Jimmy Butler trade, sources tell ESPN. Butler has been in Timberwolves locker room with teammates this morning before practice, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll join them on floor.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
Not everyone thinks that’s a good idea though.
While many fans are over the idea of the 29-year-old coming to South Florida, TNT’s Reggie Miller also thinks the Heat may be better off laying the situation to rest. Especially if the Timberwolves continue to push the idea of acquiring Josh Richardson.
"“I love Josh Richardson and I think he’s a young stud and I would not part ways if I’m [president] Pat Riley and [owner] Micky Arison. You’ve got Josh Richardson on a good deal of four years, $41 million. You’ve got Bam Adebayo on a rookie deal. Bam Adebayo was a fantastic draft choice.”"
It’s like Miller has been keeping up with #HeatTwitter.
He’s not the only one sharing his opinion of the potential trade either.
Co-anchor Chris Webber shared Miller’s sentiment, praising what Miami already has.
"“One player is not going to change the culture in Miami and I don’t know if it will give you seven more wins a year. I don’t know if it will give you five or seven more years of winning. I like those young guys in the locker-room. That would not be something I would do.”"
Miller and Webber may not like the idea of giving up young, moldable talent for Butler, but others yet warn against adding him to the roster, period.
"“As good as Jimmy is, I think you have to be concerned about the impact he is going to have in the locker room, on your younger guys, on your coaching staff, all of that…” an unnamed NBA GMA said. “Everywhere he goes, it becomes about Jimmy, and if you’re going to bring him in, you have to account for that.”"
Certainly some food for thought.
Butler, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.0 steals a game last season, would undoubtedly be an on-court asset for the Heat, but unfortunately his reputation seems to precede him.
Made worse by his recent frustration over currently being stuck in limbo.
Butler, who returned to practice with the team today, stunned teammates and coaches by his behavior.
At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
Sort of hard to imagine those types of antics, flying with Miami’s front office.
In this league, truly anything can happen, but for now Butler is still where he belongs.
Next. Miami Heat: Rodney McGruder poised to breakout, a case for Butler. dark
Not a member of the Miami Heat.