The Miami Heat were forced to trade Jimmy Butler last season. Butler decided that he didn’t want to play for the organization anymore after they denied giving him a max contract extension. He made things extremely uncomfortable.
Right before the trade deadline, Miami traded Butler to Golden State. The Heat got Andrew Wiggins in return. This season, they sit 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, meaning that they will be in the play-in. That is also where the Warriors sit in the West.
Jamie Jaquez Jr. tried his best to keep Butler in Miami. He recently recalled calling him after his infamous press conference, where he claimed he’d lost his joy for basketball.
Jamie Jaquez Jr. Tried to Keep Jimmy Butler With the Heat
While appearing on the Zach Lowe Show, Jaquez Jr. recalled trying his best to keep Butler happy in Miami.
“I think I did call him after one of those press conferences. I was like ‘Hey man, whatever problems you got, we’re here. Whatever problems you’ve got with your teammates, we’re here. We want you to feel like we got your back’ type of thing.”
Jaquez Jr. was the only teammate from Miami to give him a call after the press conference. Unfortunately for him, it did not work. Butler was determined to make his way out of Miami, and the trade to Golden State took place just weeks later.
Butler led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in his tenure. He was the best player on the roster, but he has burned bridges with multiple franchises now. Butler forced his way out of Minnesota, Philly, and Chicago, as well. That may eventually happen in Golden State, as well.
Miami didn’t receive a great return for Butler, really only getting Wiggins back. Wiggins is solid, but he’s not the same caliber of player that Butler is. Miami is poised for a rebuild soon if they are not able to land any big players this offseason.
Miami Will Try to Land One More Superstar This Summer
The Heat have always been a desirable team for other players. They will use that to try to land another superstar this offseason. Miami called the Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Milwaukee decided not to trade him. That could change this summer.
If Miami fails to land a superstar, they might pivot into rebuilding. This season, they have the 13th-best offense in the league. They need to find a way to increase that output. Bam Adebayo had a random 83-point game, but that is not his forte as a player.
Tyler Herro has hardly been healthy this season, playing in just 30 games due to various injuries. His lack of availability has been a big reason why the offense has struggled. Adding someone like Antetokounmpo would be able to help them in that regard.
Next season, the East should be even harder to compete in. The Pacers will be title contenders again. The Celtics will be fully healthy for the entire season. Other teams will emerge, as well. Miami needs to take a big swing to have any shot of making the playoffs.
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