Why did Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler refuse to sign an extension?

The Phoenix Suns used the 22nd pick to select DaRon Holmes II, who will be heading to Denver. Holmes, a 21-year-old power forward standing at 6’10” and weighing 235 pounds, played for Dayton College from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, he averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 54% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 71% from the free-throw line.

Holmes’ college career was distinguished by several accolades: Consensus second-team All-American in 2024, Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year in 2024, First-team All-Atlantic 10 in 2023 and 2024, Second-team All-Atlantic 10 in 2022, Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year in 2022.

The Denver Nuggets currently have Peyton Watson as the backup power forward and center. Holmes could help alleviate some of the pressure on Watson and provide significant support off the bench. However, it remains to be seen how much playing time Holmes will receive in Denver.

Despite trade rumors, the Heat power forward has made it clear that he will decide where he plays next. Whether he stays or goes remains to be seen.

Jimmy Butler to Chart His Own Course

According to reports on Wednesday, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will hit the open market next summer. As per Shams Charania, Butler will “…play out his current contract with the Heat.” He will not sign an extension with the Heat or any other team before his opt-out in the 2025 free agency. Butler has a $52.4millionplayeroptionforthatfinalyear,whichhecaneitheruseforanotheryearofmaxmoneyoroptoutoftosecurealong-termdeal.Itisunderstoodthatheintendstodeclinetheoption,earning$48.8 million next season.

So, what’s the next move? As per Charania, Butler won’t seek a trade from the Heat this offseason. Instead, he aims to have a standout year to boost his market value. At 34, the six-time NBA All-Star still has plenty to offer, making a lucrative free agency contract next year quite feasible. Contextually, this will be Butler’s sixth season in Miami, and despite reaching the NBA Finals twice (in 2020 & 2023), he has not secured a championship.

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What’s the next move? According to Charania, Butler won’t be seeking a trade from the Heat this offseason. Instead, he plans to make this year a standout one, aiming to boost his market value. At 34, the six-time NBA All-Star still has plenty in the tank, making a lucrative free agency contract next year very possible. This upcoming season will be Butler’s sixth in Miami, and while he hasn’t won a title yet, he has made it to the NBA Finals twice (2020 & 2023).

Regarding the Heat, this news follows reports that their other major star, Bam Adebayo, has agreed to a lucrative three-year max extension. Mixed emotions, indeed. Although Butler has declined to sign an extension, it doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a trade. Teams might still acquire him on a short-term basis or with the hope of convincing him to stay long-term. Butler, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season, remains a top-tier player. Stay tuned.