The situation with Jimmy Butler is becoming increasingly awkward for everyone involved. It's like a real-life soap opera unfolding before our eyes. Both Miami and Butler seem to be acting out of pettiness, each trying to assert their control. In reality, it's difficult to determine who is in the right. If someone suggested that Miami should have traded Butler last offseason, that would be a reasonable perspective.
Miami likely would have received more value for Butler in a trade before the current situation arose, where they are now seeking a draft pick and salary relief. While Miami is interested in acquiring a young player in a Butler deal, it would be surprising if another team included a young player in the trade. However, if it were a three- or four-team deal, that could make more sense.
Recently, Miami suspended Butler for two games after he missed his flight for a two-game road trip, during which he was supposed to join the team. Since Dec. 16, Butler has not played in a road game. It seems that Miami is looking for any reason to suspend Butler until they can find a trade for him.
Butler has been a drag when he plays, affecting the locker room. Miami is unlikely to make significant progress this season. The team has many young players who need valuable experience, and it would be better for their development to maintain a positive locker room atmosphere.
Miami doesn’t have to trade Butler if they don’t find any favorable deals. He has a player option worth $52 million for next year, and reports suggest that he would choose to opt into this deal if he remains with Miami, anticipating that the team will seek to trade him. If Miami can secure a draft pick and a player who could contribute this year while also relieving some salary, they should consider trading Butler.
Keeping Butler until the offseason and trading his expiring contract after he opts in, or via a sign-and-trade, could be Miami's only option.
This situation is dragging on from both sides. Miami is trying to manage the situation, but for an organization that prides itself on maintaining high standards, their handling of the Butler issue is raising questions among fans and media members for the first time in a while.
Butler tends to behave this way when things don’t go his way, as we’ve seen before when he's frustrated about not receiving a contract extension. It would be beneficial for both sides to come to an agreement and move forward.