Miami Heat president Pat Riley has expressed uncertainty about whether to extend a contract with Jimmy Butler, despite some executives believing that the team may trade him. Butler is expected to request a max extension worth $113 million, which would lock him in with Miami for three seasons. However, at 35 years old and with recent injury concerns, the Heat are hesitant to commit to an extension just yet.
Riley discussed Butler extensively during a 40-minute media session, expressing concerns about his health and contract demands. The team used a large number of different lineups and had multiple players miss time due to injuries, making it challenging to evaluate the team’s performance. Despite this, Riley emphasized the importance of having players available every night.
Butler’s recent comments about other teams further fueled speculation about his future with the Heat. Riley was critical of these comments and stressed the importance of focusing on the team’s performance on the court. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Butler’s contract negotiations, the Heat are still expected to pursue another star player this summer. However, Butler’s demands could complicate the team’s plans and raise questions about his long-term future in Miami.