Jimmy Butler reminded everyone of how good he still is as he put up 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in the Miami Heat’s 114-106 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The statement performance comes after the 35-year-old’s disappointing display against the Orlando Magic in the season opener.
Butler clearly has still got it. But his long-term future remains in doubt, with the Heat not offering him an extension this offseason.
Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 season. That means he will become a free agent next summer if he decides to opt out.
There have also been rumors that even if the Heat ended up offering him a two-year extension, Butler would end up turning it down and become a free agent next summer.
If those rumors are indeed accurate, then it is very possible that the Heat could explore the idea of trading Butler at some point in the future rather than risk seeing him leave for nothing.
If such a situation did transpire, it looks like the Houston Rockets would be in the mix to trade for Butler.