
If Jimmy Butler decides to exercise his player option and remain under contract with the Miami Heat this offseason, and if the team is unable to find a trade partner for him, it would present a highly unfavorable situation for the franchise, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
This scenario would tie the Heat’s hands in terms of maneuvering in the summer, preventing them from using the $14 million mid-level exception, a valuable tool for adding role players or strengthening the roster.
Additionally, the Heat would find themselves with a hefty $191.5 million in committed salaries, placing them dangerously close to the first apron – an upper spending limit that could further limit their ability to make moves.
The financial strain from this situation could force the Heat into a difficult position, potentially leading them to release one of their players to clear cap space.
Jackson specifically points to Duncan Robinson, whose contract structure could make him a prime candidate for being let go. While Robinson is slated to earn $19.9 million next season, only $9.8 million of that figure is guaranteed.
This flexibility in his contract could give Miami the ability to cut ties with Robinson if they need to create financial flexibility to avoid exceeding luxury tax thresholds or to make room for other roster moves, making his future with the team uncertain in this worst-case scenario.
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— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 24, 2025