After a surprising trip to the NBA Finals a season ago, the Miami Heat entered this season looking to get back once again. It was the second time in four seasons that Miami had made the NBA Finals. They came up short in both instances. Despite all the talent on the team, the Heat just haven’t been able to get over the hump to hoist up the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and it has caused frustration around the organization.
This current version of Miami has always done thing the tough way, with star swingman Jimmy Butler leading the charge. They embrace any challenge ahead of them, including being the underdogs. But after Butler was hurt during the team’s first Play-In game this season, Miami was essentially done for. The Heat ended up being eliminated from the postseason in a five-game first round loss to the Boston Celtics, leaving many questions left open to be answered.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament at the Wells Fargo Center on April…
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
This includes the fate of Butler, who still has two seasons left on his current contract, including a player option. But Butler wants more guaranteed years, something that Miami may not be inclined to do. After all, Butler will turn 35 years old later this year. But his impact on the organization can’t be overstated. Both sides still seem to love one another. Butler opened up about his future basketball plans to Rohan Nadnarki of GQ Sports.
His goal is to finish his career with the Heat, something that looks very attainable at this time. Butler is still a core piece to what the Heat want to do, even if they may not be willing to give him a new max-level contract. But after he is finished with the NBA, playing overseas is something he is open to.
“I mean, yeah. In the NBA? For sure,” Butler said. “But then after that, I really do want to play for Flamengo [Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro]. I tell everybody, I’m half-Brazilian.”
Butler has always done things differently and has been proud of it. It’s what has made him who is he today and the Heat organization is thankful for it. He has helped them reach two NBA Finals and is hoping to finally get the job done before he hangs it up.
“I feel at home, man,” Butler continued. “I really care about the city, I really care about the people in this city. Miami has embraced me. They’ve wanted me to bring them something they haven’t done since LeBron, D-Wade and C-Bosh. And I want to do that. So as soon as I get this knee back right, I’m right back on they ass and everybody know it.”
It remains to be seen if Butler will help the Heat win another championship but he will go down swinging, if anything. It’s in his nature and the city of Miami has embraced his fighter mentality throughout when it comes to the Heat.
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