The Miami Heat know what Jimmy can be at his peak and they know what they would be without him.
And while it will be much-documented going forward, you can expect critics to believe that Jimmy’s daunting first-round postseason performance against the Milwaukee Bucks (14.5 points on 28.7 percent shooting) en route to Miami’s exit, could apprehensively change the outlook of this deal. However, this example of recency bias doesn’t come close to outweighing the accomplishments Butler has already fulfilled in his relatively short time with the Heat.
A much-headlined performance in leading Miami to a spectacular 2020 postseason run that included a trip to the NBA Finals, and then to follow that up with an arguable top-ten candidacy for the 2021 Most Valuable Player award, it’s without question that an extension for Butler will be rightfully earned.
Molded with an uncanny desire to win and a consistent ability to perform in clutch-moments, Butler is at the absolute peak of his career. To allow a player who’s drastically re-enforced the direction of their culture — simply walk away — would leave their organization at a possible disposition.
One particular reason for this would be the failure to retain a borderline NBA superstar who’s practically showed respect for the front office, coaching staff, and the team in its entirety. Another, would be placing Miami’s younger assets under greater pressure to develop with the crucial loss of an exemplified leader.
While it’s all speculative and simply business, it’s truly difficult to envision Butler not being able to finish his career with the Heat, let alone receive an extension from them. Just a season after lifting the organization to the league’s brightest stage, the Heat have heavily embraced Butler and they’ll have to prove their trust to him in a way of currency.