Why Miami should extend Jimmy Butler

There’s a saying out there: “relationships matter.” In a league where perception can be everything, how a franchise treats its stars can define its legacy just as much as wins and losses. For the Miami Heat, the time has come to make a decision about Jimmy Butler, a player who has carried this franchise to heights it had no business reaching. 

Yes, Butler is 35. Yes, his basketball career has more years behind it than it does ahead of it. Thing is, the same can be said for Pat Riley, Micky Arison, and some of the other more tenured members of the Miami Heat basketball operations. The question now is: will Miami do right by Jimmy Butler, not just for him, but for the future of this franchise? 

A History of Complicated Endings 

Miami’s history with star players hasn’t always been smooth. 

• Alonzo Mourning left for New Jersey when Miami didn’t meet his terms. Zo returned, of course, to win a championship in 2006, but there was a time when the separation seemed permanent. He is now part of the Heat’s front office, but that fracture required healing. 
• Shaquille O’Neal, Miami’s first true mega-star who delivered his promise of bringing the city its first NBA championship, almost came to blows with Pat Riley and eventually saw his tenure end in turmoil when he was traded to Phoenix. 
• LeBron James? Probably the most publicized breakup in NBA history. LeBron’s return to Cleveland left a sour taste, with tensions flaring on both sides to the point that Miami just now, 10 years after LeBron left, signed a Klutch Sports client in Alec Burks. 
• And then there’s Dwyane Wade, the icon who should have never worn another jersey. That hurt lingers, even after his triumphant return to finish his career where it started. 

For a franchise that prides itself on loyalty and culture, these separations have often sent the wrong message to the league. They’ve been loyal with several of their role players, who eventually returned to become assistant coaches or vital parts of the organization. How come when it comes to some of their biggest stars, things go down a different path? The lesson? Relationships matter, and how you handle a star’s twilight years reverberates beyond one player. 

Jimmy Butler’s Legacy 

Jimmy Butler isn’t just some fringe star. He’s been the heart and soul of Miami’s resurgence. This is a player who, in his tenure, has dragged an overachieving team to two NBA Finals, once as a 5-seed and once as an 8-seed. He’s also delivered countless unforgettable and historic

playoff performances while making this organization relevant again. He’s done this without a “superstar” co-star, with rosters that have been patched together through development and grit. No excuses. No shortcuts. Just Jimmy being Jimmy. 

And now, Butler has made his desires clear: he wants to remain in Miami and finish his career here…as long as he is paid his worth and to have the chance to compete at the highest level. 

Should Miami give Butler the two-year max extension he’s reportedly seeking? Maybe not. But something close—like a 3-year, $135 million deal—feels like the right balance between honoring his contributions and keeping flexibility towards surrounding him with the pieces needed that’ll push them over the mountaintop. 

The NBA is watching. Stars across the league notice how organizations treat their players. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, Miami’s future pillars, are watching too. If Miami mishandles this situation, it sends a message about what they value and how they operate. 

Pat Riley, the architect of this dynasty, is 79. The “Godfather” deserves to go out with one last championship run. Jimmy Butler gives him that chance. 

Riley’s style has never been universally loved. He’s relentless, sometimes abrasive, and always demanding. But it works. 

His regrets? He’d never admit to them, but the way things ended with Wade probably tops the list. 

That is why they need to capitalize and understand that this could be Riley’s last shot to secure Miami’s fourth title, and Butler is the player to build around. Extend him, surround him with the right pieces, and let him lead Miami into the sunset of Riley’s career. 

Extending him reinforces the belief that this organization not only rewards those who give everything for the cause. It also proves to many that are watching that they’re going all in. 

Pay Jimmy Butler. The league is watching. Your future is watching.

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Geo Valdez can be found at @GeoValdez_ on Twitter and @CoachGeo_ on Instagram.

He is the founder of Transfiguration Fitness, a premier fitness and wellness brand specializing in personalized training, nutrition assistance and performance coaching.

Learn more at www.coachgeo.training