The Miami Heat have a big Jimmy Butler problem. After asking for a trade out of Miami, Butler and the team have been essentially feuding. Recently, Pat Riley and the Heat suspended Butler for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team after demanding a trade and saying he lost his joy for playing basketball.
Butler’s suspension resulted in a grievance filed by the NBA Player’s Association and a 10-page letter (and videos) of why the Heat suspended Butler. Knowing his past, this could be just the start of a lot of Jimmy Butler drama. For that reason, the Heat should trade Butler as soon as possible, regardless of the trade return. They need to salvage this season, follow the path of Butler’s past teams, and cut bait with the disgruntled star.
Miami Heat Must Trade Jimmy Butler As Soon As Possible
This Isn’t Jimmy’s First Rodeo With Team Drama
Butler’s NBA career has been full of drama. His time with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers all featured notable clashes. In Chicago during the 2016-17 season, Butler reportedly clashed with head coach Fred Hoiberg over the team’s direction and playing style. The Bulls traded him to Minnesota in 2017.
Minnesota brought even more controversial headlines. Butler requested a trade in 2018. The saga hit its peak during a now-infamous practice where Butler dominated scrimmages, taunting players and staff. Traded to Philadelphia midseason, Butler’s intensity helped the 76ers contend, but clashes emerged again. After signing with Miami in free agency Butler openly questioned the leadership of coach Brett Brown and his role in the offense.
It seems like when Butler wants out, he knows exactly what he needs to do to get his way. Unfortunately, Riley might be almost as hard-headed as Butler. As his past teams learned, getting rid of Butler once he wants out, is easier than inviting more drama.
The Jimmy Butler Drama Hurts Everyone
All this drama around Butler and the Heat hurts everyone involved. Butler is decreasing his trade value but also is scaring teams away from trading for him. Reports recently came out that his agent all but told Memphis not to trade for him. He has made it clear that for most teams that might trade for him, he will not be signing an extension, making him essentially a one-year rental.
There Needs to be a Heat-Butler Trade ASAP
Even though the Heat haven’t received any offers to their liking, the Heat should move on trading Butler as soon as they can. It doesn’t seem like there is any chance of repairing the relationship. Because of this, the Heat should want Butler and all the bad energy he brings off of their roster.
They can still likely get some decent young players and picks for Butler, regardless of his diminishing value. Adding a decent return to the core of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo is not a bad place to start a rebuild. Knowing the Heat it won’t take them long to be back in contention again, but it doesn’t look like that is happening with Butler on the roster.
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