Insider says Jimmy Butler-Heat situation could get 'ugly fast'

Jimmy Butler faces an uncertain future in Miami. 

After the 2023-24 season, Heat president Pat Riley said the franchise was unsure about re-signing Butler to a contract extension, citing his recent injury history and age. Butler, 35, sat out all five games of Miami's first-round loss to Boston with a sprained MCL after missing 100 regular-season games over his five seasons in South Beach.    

With the two sides far apart on a new deal, several insiders have suggested the likelihood of Butler opting out of his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season to enter free agency. As such, Butler and Heat could be preparing for a split, which could lead to some tensions in the upcoming season.

According to insider Tom Haberstroh, the situation between Butler and the Heat could get "ugly fast" if the franchise gets off to a losing start this year. Speaking on "The Kevin O'Connor Show," Haberstroh likened Butler's dynamic in Miami to his last year in Chicago, which ended with him demanding a trade.

"I do think that you might get this game of chicken between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley, two of the most proud personalities, large personalities," Haberstroh said. "I do feel like Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler, if they're not right, it's gonna be ugly fast."

Back in 2018, Butler was sent from the Bulls to the Timberwolves after he demanded a trade and skipped training camp for the 2018-19 season. While his situation in Miami isn't nearly as turbulent — not yet, at least — a lot could change over the next few months as Erik Spoelstra and Co. prepare for a new season.  

Butler has already been linked to teams such as the Nets and Warriors as potential trade suitors. The six-time All-Star averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists from 60 games last season.