Jimmy Butler is reportedly set to be traded this summer.Jimmy Butler has been nothing but loyal to the Miami Heat, but doubt is starting to rise on how much longer he’ll be sticking around. According to NBA insider Howard Beck, rival teams are convinced that the Heat are preparing to move on from the 6x All-Star after just five seasons.

“Rival executives have been buzzing about it for months, for all the obvious reasons. Butler is about to turn 35 with one year left on his Heat contract, and is reportedly seeking a two-year, $113 million extension. If the Heat grant it, they’ll have little to no flexibility to add another star. And they absolutely need one,” wrote Beck. “Butler at this stage would be much more valuable as a second or third option on a contender than as the top dog in Miami. This feels like the right time for a pivot… Pat Riley is known for moving off his high-priced players before they fall off a cliff.”

Butler, 34, has been the face of Miami Heat basketball for years now and he’s helped them to two Finals appearances. With averages of 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 49.9% shooting last season, he was their only beacon of hope.

But after losing in the first round to the Boston Celtics, there are questions about if the Heat are starting to fall behind the competition. As it stands, the Heat are at least one tier below the Eastern contenders, which include the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers, and New York Knicks.

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