This offseason, the Nets formally went into rebuild mode when they dealt Mikal Bridges, their best player, to the Knicks. With Jimmy Butler, though, their road back to relevance might be accelerated in less than a year.
In the event that Butler is unable to sign a long-term contract extension with the Heat, he “likes” Brooklyn as a destination for free agents next summer, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. According to the source, Butler, who has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025–2026 season, is likely to decline it in favor of signing a new, long-term deal as a free agency.
“The odds of him picking up his player option are slim unless he agrees to a max deal with the Heat beforehand,” Lewis wrote. “The six-time All-Star is the most accomplished standout on that [free agent] list not named [LeBron] James, and he likes Brooklyn, according to sources close to the player.”
The 34-year-old Butler, who has missed a total of 65 games in his last three seasons, is obviously not thrilled about receiving maximum salary from the Heat. Heat manager Pat Riley was candid about not throwing caution to the wind during his season-ending news conference, raising doubts about the availability and stamina of the star wing. Riley’s remarks seemed to signal that Miami would trade Butler rather than risk losing him for nothing when he became a free agent the following season.
However, according to a July report by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the “Heat is [sic] not shopping Butler” and plan to finish the 2024–25 season before reevaluating the circumstances the following summer.
There’s no denying that Butler appears committed to showcasing his abilities during his auditions for what may be his last lucrative deal. The Houston native took part in Yao Ming’s charity event in China last week and has been observed hoopsing at several Pro-Am events this summer.
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