Jimmy Butler Finally Reacts to Miami Heat Not Giving Him Extension

It was not just another media day for Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat superstar was all business. There was no new hairstyle that was going to do the rounds of social media. 'No shenanigans', as he described it himself.

Butler is at a crossroads in his career and is entering a vital season. He is still with the Heat. But for how much longer? That is the question.

It is believed that Butler wanted an extension from the Heat this offseason that would have seen the remaining two years and $101.2 million on his contract turn into a three-year, $161.7 million deal.

The Heat did not seem keen to offer Butler that. It looks like they are waiting to see how he performs and how healthy he stays next season before making a decision regarding his contract.

To be fair to Butler, it does not look like he views that as a problem. According to Aol , when asked his thoughts about the Heat not giving him a contract extension, the 35-year-old said: "Guess I got to hoop, got to prove that I am a major part of winning and rightfully so. I’ve done it before and this is no different. This is going to be a great year for myself. This is going to be a great year for the group of guys we have. That will take care of itself whenever that time comes."

That will be music to the ears of Heat fans. It looks like Butler is willing to play his way to a contract extension.

Of course, there is also the possibility that he could opt out of his player option and become a free agent next summer. And for the time being, Butler is holding his cards close to his chest regarding that.

When asked if the plan is to opt out next summer, Butler said: "I don’t know. I’m living for the right now and the moment. I’m glad to be here. We are going to hoop, we’re going to win and we will take it from there."

Butler has been the face of the franchise for five years but it is not hard to understand why the Heat might be reluctant to make a long-term commitment.

Butler turned 35 years old last month. His injury history is a cause for worry as well. So, the Heat have to be very calculated about how they handle this situation.

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