Inside The Heat

Jimmy Butler Fuels Miami Heat Contract Drama With His Latest Comment

Anthony Pasciolla

Dec 7, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks with official Dedric Taylor during a timeout in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks with official Dedric Taylor during a timeout in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Veteran star Jimmy Butler wants to sign a max contract next summer, whether it's with the Miami Heat or another organization.

The Heat are seemingly reluctant to commit to another long-term contract for the 35-year-old, which would explain the reports of the front office hearing out trade offers. Butler, who is notorious for trolling in response to drama, did so once again on Instagram.

Saturday, the six-time All-Star posted a video in his new coffee shop, where he shared a comical message about his future pay.

“Coming to work today, I’m paying myself the big bucks," Butler said.

Butler is expected to turn down his player option for next season, hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2025. If the Heat are set on not paying Butler a max extension, the smarter approach is to trade him prior to the Feb. 6 deadline.

Reports are pointing to the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns as the four most likely suitors. The problem is none of these organizations can offer win-now pieces the Heat seemingly desire.

Still, the Heat will have no choice but to cut their losses in a few months, assuming they remain unwilling to extend Butler.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com