Predicting the Heat's perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Will Eudy
Small forward: Jimmy Butler
We mentioned roster consistency earlier when discussing Bam Adebayo, and the same principle applies when considering Jimmy Butler's future with the Heat. Sure, there are some real reasons to doubt his job security in Miami. At the team's exit interview day, Pat Riley's comments about Jimmy's behavior were certainly not indicative of unwavering support for his actions.
There is also the matter of the Heat being yet to agree on an extension with him. Butler is reportedly seeking a max extension from the organization, but Riley has not made a commitment. "We have not discussed that internally right now," he said. "But we'll see."
As of right now, Jimmy is under contract for another season with a player option for the 2025-26 season. His age and health would be two of the biggest reasons the front office could look to move on. And if they did, they could even package him in a trade this summer. But by all means, the best choice is to keep building a winner around him and Bam.
Butler has been the catalyst for two Heat runs to the NBA Finals, and his ability to take his game to a higher level in the playoffs when healthy remains a game-changer. And at the end of the day, roster consistency has to matter at some level.