The Miami Heat find themselves in a challenging situation. Since 2019, Jimmy Butler has been the face of the franchise, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances and exceeding most fans’ expectations. However, Butler appears to be at a pivotal point in his career.
He hasn’t secured a long-term extension from the Heat this offseason, and if he opts out of his player option for the 2025-26 season, he could become a free agent next summer. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are already being floated as potential future destinations for him.
Replacing Butler would be a difficult task for the Heat, not just for his on-court performance but also for his clutch mentality. Few players come close to filling the void he would leave. One potential option could be Brandon Ingram.
In an article on Bleacher Report, Andy Bailey suggested Ingram as the best replacement for Butler if the Heat were to lose him. Bailey wrote, “If the Heat lose Butler, the wisest path forward might be a slower build focused on Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. That team already has a pretty intriguing core beyond its superstar.”
.@WindhorstESPN breaks down the issues with trading for Brandon Ingram, notably the fact that he wants a $200 million contract extension… pic.twitter.com/RtqMF3qkvq
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 9, 2024
Bailey also pointed out that Ingram’s mid-range game and playmaking abilities could provide some continuity in the Heat’s playing style, though he’s not on the same level as Butler. To make Ingram a suitable replacement, players like Herro and Jaquez would need to step up.
Ingram, currently with the New Orleans Pelicans, is reportedly seeking a $200 million contract extension, which his team might be hesitant to offer. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted back in July that Ingram is aiming for this major deal. While Ingram is a talented All-Star, he’s not quite at Butler’s level. For Miami, it may make more sense to offer Butler a significant extension rather than pursuing Ingram with a $200 million deal.
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