Miami-based talk-show host Dan LeBatard believes the Boston Celtics ended the Jimmy Butler-era Heat during their gentlemen's sweep in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals; claiming that the Butler window is now closed.
“When you’ve got two straight seasons as the equivalent of the eight-seed and then the top of the conference gets so much better than what you’re presently offering," LeBatard said (h/t Boston.com). “The Butler window just closed, and you’ve got to see that if you’re the organization two years faster than I can see it. The Celtics just ended the Heat as we know them.”
There's no other way to interpret this other than thinking LeBatard sees a Butler trade as a necessity this offseason. Jimmy Buckets has two more years under contract, including a $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season he's most certainly not turning down, and will be 35 by the time the 2024-25 season tips off.
Miami doesn't need a rebuild considering how they stole a game from one of the greatest teams statistically of all time on their homecourt in the playoffs, but they do need to reshuffle the deck and give building blocks Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro an improved supporting cast.
Boston Celtics' sweep of Heat can be boon for Rockets or Mavs
Butler reportedly wants a max contract extension worth up to $113 million but can the Heat legitimately justify that? Winning two Eastern Conference Finals doesn't seem like the standard Pat Riley would honor with such a massive deal in the twilight of Butler's career.
If/when Riley doesn't give Butler what he wants, a trade to one of his home-state teams feels like a logical conclusion to his career. The San Antonio Spurs are not there yet, and shouldn't replace Victor Wembanyama as the alpha dog anytime soon, if ever, but the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks look like logical landing spots for the former Tomball High School star.
Houston, essentially his home-town team, can offer Butler the chance to be the No. 1 option while working with Jalen Green to become one of the league's next big things. Green looked like he was already on his way there, but he can improve defensively. Perhaps Butler can help bring out the dog in him.
Alternatively, a Big Three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would make the most sense for Butler if he wants to win now; and after being so close to a championship nearly his entire time in a Heat uniform, that's likely the case.