Jimmy Butler leaving the Miami Heat for the Brooklyn Nets can't be ruled out

What’s the difference between liking something and being fond of it?

Ask Jimmy Butler.

According to a recent report, Butler is "fond" of the Brooklyn Nets and is open to the team, sources told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Lewis also reported earlier this month that Butler "likes" the Nets. 

So, in a few days, we have two reports regarding Butler’s potential interest in the Nets. And in a few days, Butler went from “liking” Brooklyn to being “fond” of it as a possible destination.

Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and can opt out next summer to become a free agent and sign a longer-term deal in Miami or elsewhere.

For now, the Heat have not shown a willingness to trade Butler.

In the spring, Pat Riley publicly challenged Butler and was unwilling to discuss a long-term contract without assurances that Butler would be more available in the regular season. If that doesn't happen, the Heat and Butler could part ways next summer.

Is this Butler openly flirting with the Nets through reports?

It wasn’t long ago that the Philadelphia 76ers had reported interest in signing Butler to a max contract extension. That was before they used their cap space on Paul George, taking the one team that made sense for Butler off the table.

Butler then decided to play out this season without a contract extension from the Heat. But to get the contract he wants, Butler will need to drum up interest from another team next summer. Maybe that’s the Nets. 

It’s no secret that Butler enjoys New York and would relish the opportunity to play there. He visits often and has a social media partnership with New York-based ice cream chain Van Leeuwen.

The Nets are projected to have at least $80 million in cap space next summer. After trading Mikal Bridges and reacquiring many of their future draft picks, they could be looking for a new face of the franchise.

Even as the Nets are set on tanking this season, a top draft pick and maximum cap space could help them turn around quickly next summer and compete for a playoff spot in the East. 

Is a max contract and a chance to live in New York enough to pull Butler away from Miami? If he’s genuinely that “fond” of Brooklyn, it can't be ruled out.