David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read.
Jimmy Butler’s Future with the Heat: What’s Next?
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) warms-up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center. | Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Alright, folks, we’ve got some juicy updates on the Jimmy Butler situation in Miami. Let’s break it down:
• Jimmy met with Pat Riley face-to-face last week, and it wasn’t pretty. He told Riley he won’t sign a new contract with the Heat, period.
• Butler’s willing to pick up his option for next season, but only to make a trade happen. Ouch.
• The Heat have been talking to other teams about trades, but they’re not loving the offers they’re getting.
• Despite all this drama, Jimmy’s expected to suit up for Friday’s game against the Nuggets. Talk about awkward.
• Owner Mickey Arison is planning to meet with Butler on Friday. When the big boss gets involved, you know it’s serious.
Here’s the thing - this isn’t just about money anymore. Sure, that’s where it started, but now we’ve got a full-blown divorce on our hands. Jimmy’s feelings are hurt, and he’s digging in his heels.
It’s like when you start fighting over the toaster during a breakup. You never cared about that toaster before, but now it’s a matter of principle. That’s where we’re at with Jimmy and the Heat.
So what happens next? Well, Eric Spoelstra’s got his work cut out for him. How do you handle a star player who doesn’t want to be there? Do you bench him? Play him? It’s a lose-lose situation.
And let’s not forget about the other players. They’ve been bonding on this road trip, finding some success without Jimmy. Now he’s coming back, and it’s gonna mess with the team chemistry.
Bottom line: This is a mess, and there’s no easy way out. The Heat are in a tough spot, and Jimmy Butler’s not making it any easier. Buckle up, folks - this ride’s far from over.
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Roster Stock is rising for two Heat youngsters during the road trip, showcasing their potential to make significant contributions to the team’s future success. (All U Can Heat)
Rumor The Heat match Stephen A. Smith’s description of an ideal destination for an All-Star forward, sparking speculation about potential strategic moves. (Sports Illustrated)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
Heat Motivated to Move Jimmy Butler, Eyeing De’Aaron Fox?
Are the Miami Heat ready to shake up the NBA landscape with blockbuster trades? Dive into the latest NBA trade buzz as Wes Goldberg and David Ramil dissect the possibilities for the Miami Heat. They explore the implications of trading star player Jimmy Butler, the allure of acquiring De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings, and the strategic lineup shifts involving Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
How Bam Adebayo Led Miami Heat In Win Over Orlando & Jimmy Butler Suspended Indefinitely
The Miami Heat’s electrifying double overtime victory against the Orlando Magic has fans buzzing. With Bam Adebayo’s standout performance, the Heat showcased their potential in a future without Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, Butler’s indefinite suspension raises questions about the Heat’s approach to the trade deadline. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil explore Bradley Beal’s trade preferences, impacting the Heat’s options, and Miami’s new “triple big” lineup strategy featuring Nikola Jovic, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware.
How Miami Should Handle Jimmy Butler Situation After His Suspension
Can the Miami Heat afford to bench Jimmy Butler? With his return from suspension, the team must weigh the benefits of playing him against potential distractions. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil explore the complexities of Butler’s situation, ask why a trade hasn’t been completed yet and propose a four-team trade that could help jumpstart the post-Butler era in Miami.
