Is Jimmy Butler really the problem on the Miami Heat?

When Jimmy Butler debuted in the NBA, he was projected as the star of the Chicago Bulls, however, this only remained in words. The star player has not left on good terms with any of the teams he has played for. In it Miami Heat It couldn’t be different.

After his debut with Chicago in 2011, where he spent six seasons, he decided to change scene and join the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he remained for one season. His temperament caused discomfort and he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he also only spent one year and ended up leaving without looking back.

Then, in 2019, Butler arrived at the place where he “really felt happy”: the Miami Heat. However, that love also came to an end, which is why he is currently in trouble before another office of an NBA team.

It seems that Butler is a difficult player to keep. It’s a time bomb that not even the most peaceful team can control. But when studying the Heat’s past, something doesn’t leave the 35-year-old veteran in such a bad light.

The current turbulence in the Heat, surrounding Jimmy Butler — a player serving a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team — once again puts the team’s president of operations, Pat Riley, in the spotlight.

Stars of the organization and basketball legends gave their all in Miami, but, due to differences with Riley, they ended very badly.

Shaquille O’Neal’s arrival in Miami culminated in the franchise’s first title in 2006.

But by 2007, the dynamic between him and Riley was already sour. In 2008, “Shaq” was sent to the Phoenix Suns, a move that not only meant the dissolution of their partnership, but also the decline of the Heat’s successful streak.

LeBron era

LeBron James subsequently elevated Miami’s status by leading them to four consecutive Finals and two championships. However, there were tensions over Riley’s inflexible style that clashed with James. After a devastating loss in the 2014 Finals, the president’s intervention to “stay the course” reportedly upset LeBron. This breakup contributed to his departure to Cleveland.

Dwyane Wade embodied the spirit of the Heat, although this franchise legend was not saved from Riley. After two All-Star seasons, Wade sought a more lucrative contract, but Riley hesitated, opting for salary cap flexibility. This mistake took Wade to Chicago, leaving the fans, and the executive himself, uncomfortable.

Now, the problem is with Butler, who feels slighted by the Heat, especially Riley, by asking for a contract extension, which was not granted.