The Jimmy Butler situation just received another twist this week after Kevin Love’s latest Instagram post attracted the attention of fans online. Love suggested in a post that Jimmy Butler has buried the hatchet with the Heat franchise, and it was liked by none other than Butler himself.
The video in the post is a scene from the hit movie ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ when the main character, Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), announces his intention to stay with the firm, Stratton Oakmont, after trying to be forced out. It’s a rather iconic scene meant to illustrate his undying loyalty to his company and the lifestyle he created.
According to Love, a similar scene is happening in Miami right now with disgruntled veteran star Jimmy Butler. After a chaotic few weeks of drama and finger-pointing, both sides were seemingly at an impasse with a trade looking inevitable before February’s deadline.
The Heat even went so far as to suspend Butler for “conduct detrimental to the team” and the latest reports indicate they could alter the designation to give Jimmy an even stricter punishment.
By all accounts, the situation was unsalvageable between the Heat and Butler. Butler wanted a trade, the Heat were ready to comply, and both sides were described as eager to move on and never work together again.
But according to Love, Butler recently had a private meeting with Heat owner Micky Arison and it went better than anyone could have imagined. If Love isn’t trolling, then there’s a chance for reconciliation between Butler and the Heat which means they could end up staying together.
With no official reports about a change of heart, it is impossible to say where Butler stands right now on a possible return to the Heat but, for what it’s worth, he acknowledged Love’s post on the subject and gave it a hint of validity by liking it for the whole world to see.
Butler, 35, has previously said that he will not sign another contract with the Heat but it’s well known that he enjoyed his time with the team and connected with the city and the culture. Butler thought he found a permanent home in Miami but hesitation from the front office led to questions and doubts which developed into resentment on both sides.
With Butler at odds with Pat Riley, the only one who would have a chance to salvage the situation is Heat owner Micky Arison, who has enough authority, power, and respect to earn Butler’s loyalty once again.
Whether he is promised a long-term contract, a different role with the team, or something else entirely, it might not take much to get Butler back on the Miami Heat’s side and his return will put them right back in play for a competitive run in the East.
Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of Micky Arison, who must determine how badly he wants to preserve the core he’s spent years developing. If he plays his cards right, Butler might still be able to be won over and the Heat could avoid making a trade that would set their team back years.
In the meantime, there are games to play as the Heat continue their season. Tomorrow, January 16th, they play the Denver Nuggets at the Kaseya Center at 8:00 PM EST before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at home on January 19th at 3:00 PM. Finally, the Heat face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, January 21st, at 7:30 PM EST.
