Walker’s circumstance was that the Charlotte Hornets knew they couldn’t pay him and afford to put a competitive team around him, but that he may have stayed if the security of a five-year deal was offered. In Thompon’s case, they believed that the Warriors had planned to ask for the home town discount, but thoughts that he might jump to the L.A. Clippers nixed that idea.
They also talked about Khris Middleton, D’Angelo Russell, and Tobias Harris, who those polled say were not worth the max deals they received. On Middleton, they believed that he was overpaid but simultaneously wasn’t, as paying him wasn’t as much about his performance as it was the desire to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. On Tobias Harris, they believed that this was a deal that Philly had to get done in order to save face for giving up what they had to trade in order to acquire him.
On D’Angelo Russell, they said that they wouldn’t be surprised if last season was the best season he will ever have. One player in specific that this piece didn’t mention by name is one of the newest members of the Miami Heat in Jimmy Butler.
Our guess on why the Miami Heat swingman was not mentioned is because he checks all the boxes. While there are some players better than him, his level of effort and competition won’t ever show it. He flat out competes on both ends of the floor at all times.
Another thing that they mentioned was “Leadership” abilities. When it comes to the Miami Heat, that is always something that is lauded and praised in their players.
If we know anything about Butler, it’s that he is vocal(see Minnesota Timberwolves practice tirade), and that shouldn’t change as a member of this Miami Heat team. Not only shouldn’t it change, but those associated with the club will probably welcome, embrace, and encourage him to continue to be him. If this almost seems like it’s an invite for him to be as demanding as he seemingly has been, that’s because it would be.