"Has asked for a trade"- NBA insider cites Jimmy Butler's history when not offered extension
Jimmy Butler has led the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals trips since joining the franchise in 2019. While he still has two years on his contract, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on "Get Up" that there is no final word on a contract extension. The NBA insider also brought up Butler's questionable track record in contract negotiations.
During the Heat's first-round series against the Boston Celtics, Butler ended up missing the entire matchup due to a sprained MCL. After his team got eliminated in the NBA Playoffs, there was also a viral video where the Heat star argued that his team's competition would be sent home if he was playing in the playoffs.
However, Miami Heat team president Pat Rily shared on the organization's press conference that he was not too pleased with Butler's off-court comments. Moreover, Windhorst's report also included that Jimmy Butler is in a position to sign an extension this coming summer.
"Jimmy Butler is eligible to sign a contract extension this summer," Windhorst said. "He does have two years left on his contract, he has shown an interest before in wanting to extend when he has the opportunity. ... We know that in the past when he hasn't gotten a contract ... he has asked for a trade."
Back in 2019, he was not brought back by the Philadelphia 76ers as the team wanted to acquire Al Horford instead. However, the end result didn't end up working for Philadelphia as the veteran forward struggled to mesh well into the team's rotation.
Looking over the NBA landscape, the Heat has to factor in the championship window of this roster with a 34-year-old athlete leading the pack. The roster has a lot of pieces that can be moved in exchange for more competitive players that can rival other teams' depth.
NBA insider revealed Jimmy Butler's intentions in receiving a max contract extension
When it comes to some of the best two-way wings in the league today, Butler's name easily comes to mind. However, with the offseason looming close, reports of Butler's preference to sign a max extension are starting to pop up. These reports then offer the chance for rival teams to possibly acquire the six-time NBA All-Star.
According to the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang, Butler wants a max contract extension, whether it's with his current team or another ball club.
"Jimmy Butler wants a max extension this offseason," Chiang said. "Preferably from the Heat. But whether it's from the Heat or another team, he wants a max extension."
Despite his age, Jimmy Butler could still end up being the missing piece to a team with championship aspirations looking to revamp their roster.