Jimmy Butler's contract situation was a hot talking point all summer, as he and the Miami Heat failed to come to terms on an extension. While that indicated that Butler was looking for a big payday, he stated during an interview at Heat practice that he has made more than enough money and just wants to win.
"I mean if we're being brutally honest, no matter what nothing I do now is going to get me paid any more money, even though I don't care about the money," Butler said. "I mean All-NBA... none of that's going to matter. I'm at a point right now, I got more than enough money. I'm just here to win."
Butler was being asked there about the 65-game requirement to be eligible for awards. Despite 2024-25 potentially being a contract year for the 35-year-old, he made it clear he isn't focused on getting to that number to win an award and only cares about winning.
On the topic of money, Butler has certainly made a lot during his time in the NBA. The six-time All-Star has earned $263.2 million in salaries thus far and will make another $48.8 million in 2024-25.
Butler also has a player option worth $52.4 million for 2025-26 but is expected to opt out of it. If he does go that route, he would be eligible to sign a four-year, $243 million deal with the Heat or a three-year, $171 million deal with another team.
Based on Butler's comments here, you'd think he wouldn't ask for $243 million next year, but time will tell. The Heat certainly would love for him to give them a discount considering his age and injury history.
Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in 2023-24 but only played in 60 games. He has now failed to play at least 65 games in any of his five seasons with the Heat and as he gets older, he isn't going to get healthier. If Butler just wants to win as he states, he should take a bit less so that the team can surround him with better pieces.
Jimmy Butler Shared His Thoughts On Not Getting An Extension From The Heat
As for those failed negotiations in the summer, Butler shared his thoughts on the Heat not giving him an extension during media day.
"I guess I gotta go out there and I gotta hoop," Butler said. "I've gotta prove that I'm a major part of winning, and rightfully so. I've done it before, 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 that we have. That'll take care of itself whenever the time comes."
Butler was also asked if he contemplated leaving the Heat at any point in the offseason based on how the negotiations were going.
"Nah, I'm good," Butler stated. "An extension is just a couple of dollars. I'm cool I'm telling you. I think I've made enough. I just want to play basketball, I want to be available like Pat (Riley) was talking about and I plan on being that. I plan on us winning a bunch of games and making everybody happy."
The Heat were the eighth seed last season after finishing with a 46-36 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics. If they are to avoid that fate and climb up the standings in 2024-25 in a very top-heavy Eastern Conference, they'll need Butler to stay upright and dominate, which is what he plans on doing.
Related: Jimmy Butler Privately Dealt With His Father's Death After All-Star Break Last Season
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