"People are kicking dirt on our name" - Heat coach opens up about Jimmy Butler’s situation after Pat Riley's blunt remark
At the end of last season, things seemed to be rocky between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Before training camp got underway, one of the team's coaches spoke out about the All-Star forward's mindset.
Coming up on the final year of his deal, Butler was reportedly seeking a max extension. However, team president Pat Riley took some jabs at him during his end-of-season press conference. He called out Butler for not being available during the playoffs.
During an episode of the Locked on Heat podcast, former NBA champion and Heat assistant coach Caron Butler shared his thoughts on the team. He claimed that Jimmy Butler still enjoys being in Miami and that the team is looking to have a revenge tour next season.
"I think Jimmy is just ready to play basketball," Caron said. "At this point, I think it's all about the winning with him. We know he loves being in Miami. It's so many people that are kinda kicking dirt on our name and we remember all the messaging and everything."
After multiple trips to the NBA Finals in recent years, the Heat saw themselves eliminated in the first round of playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Jimmy Butler has added motivation to perform well in 2025
Aside from wanting to prove Pat Riley wrong for his comments, Jimmy Butler has added motivation to perform well this coming season. As mentioned previously, he sought out a contract extension with the Miami Heat this summer and didn't get it. Now, his play in 2025 will have major implications on what kind of market he'll have in free agency next offseason.
Coming up on his 35th birthday, next summer could be Butler's last chance to secure a major payday. Knowing this, the six-time All-Star has added incentive to show he can still be a star-level player in this league.
Last season, Butler appeared in 60 games for the Heat in the regular season. He ended the year with averages of 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals. If Butler wants any chance at landing a sizable contract, he'll need to up his games played in 2025.
Next season will mark year six for Butler with the Heat. It could also be the beginning of the end of their partnership. Earlier this month, reports linked the Brooklyn Nets to the two-way forward as a possible free-agent destination.