“Optimistically, if the Cavaliers decided to move Darius Garland, he would be an ideal target to join Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and whoever else the Heat choose to keep long-term,” NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report wrote. “Miami only has one future first to offer (2030 or 2031), but Herro could be an enticing player for Cleveland or a third team.”
Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.1 blocks last season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $36.7 million next season.
Cleveland drafted Garland with the fifth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old has career averages of 18.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.1 blocks.
The New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs tried to trade for Garland this offseason, an NBA source told Hoops Wire.
The Cavaliers told the Pelicans and Spurs they weren’t trading Garland, the source said.
Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Heat lost to the Celtics in the first round in five games.
New Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has spoken highly of Garland thus far, but things could change once games are played.
Heat star Jimmy Butler will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he declines his 2025-26 player option, a move he’s expected to do.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games last season for the Heat while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
Butler, who currently plays for the Miami Heat, will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he declines his 2025-26 player option, a move he’s expected to do.
“Jimmy Butler’s going to be a free agent next summer,” Amick said on The TK Show. “Didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors have interest there and probably made a couple calls [to Miami] this summer.”
The Warriors need another star after losing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.
The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 postseason in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games last season for the Heat while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He’s made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
“Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one,” NBA reporter Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald wrote. “He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source.”
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
The Warriors missed the playoffs in 2024 after losing the 9-10 play-in game to the Sacramento Kings.
According to NetsDaily, NBA star Jimmy Butler‘s interest in joining the Brooklyn Nets is “very real.”
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Butler intends to become a free agent next offseason by declining his 2025-26 player option worth $52.4 million with the Miami Heat, who didn’t give him an extension this offseason.
Jimmy Butler’s interest in the Brooklyn Nets is very, very real 👀
The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 postseason in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games last season for the Heat while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He’s made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
“Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one,” NBA reporter Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald wrote. “He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source.”
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
The Nets are rebuilding after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. However, their rebuild could end if Butler comes to Brooklyn in 2025.
While details of his contract weren’t reported, it’s likely an Exhibit 10 deal for training camp.
Williams, 26, is 6-foot-11 and appeared in seven games with the Toronto Raptors last season after being called up from the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce. He signed a 10-day deal with the Raptors on April 3, then another on April 13. With the Raptors, he averaged 2.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.
The Heat are pretty well stacked in the frontcourt — with the likes of big men Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, rookie Kel’el Ware, Kevin Love and Thomas Bryant. But Williams could factor in as a two-way player or back with the Syforce in the G League.
Miami opens the season on Oct. 23 at home vs. the Orlando Magic. It is looking to rebound from a first-round exit in the Eastern Conference playoffs one season after advancing to the NBA Finals.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal. It doesn’t count toward a team’s cap unless the player makes the final roster. It also can be converted to a two-way deal before the season begins or mean guaranteed money if a player is waived and then stays on the G League club for at least 60 days.
Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He won five MVPs, one DPOY, six championships, six Finals MVPs and 10 scoring titles.
Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a playoff game.
LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
When Jordan was asked about the LeBron comparisons in 2020, he said “we played in different eras.”
“We played in different eras,” Jordan said. “He’s an unbelievable player. He’s one of the best players in the world, if not the best player in the world. I know it’s a natural tendency to compare eras to eras and it’s gonna continue to happen. I’m a fan of his. I love watching him play.
“But as you can see, our league is starting to expand on very talented players. And I think he’s made his mark. He will continue to do so over a period of time, but when you start the comparisons, I think it is what it is. It’s just a standard of measurement. I take it with a grain of salt. He is a heck of a basketball player without a doubt.”
Skip Bayless has been ripping LeBron James for more than a decade. The veteran sports pundit isn’t a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and believes Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history.
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
On ESPN and FS1, Bayless has bashed LeBron left and right for several things. However, the controversial sports personality once said 10 nice things about LeBron after losing a bet to GQ writer Mark Anthony Green, who just so happens to be a huge fan of LeBron.
In February 2020, Green came on “Undisputed” and made a bet with Bayless that if LeBron reached the 2020 NBA Finals, Bayless would have to say 10 nice things about LeBron. The Lakers made the 2020 Finals and won against the Miami Heat.
“No. 1: LeBron James was the greatest high school basketball player ever, even greater than Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar),” Bayless said. “No. 2: No player in the history of the National Basketball Association has stood up better to an NBA debut expectation the way LeBron James did at Sacramento the night of October 29th, 2003. … No. 3: Since LeBron James has entered the NBA, he has been the best passer in basketball. … No. 4: LeBron James is still the greatest driver of the basketball I have ever seen. … No. 5: No athlete has ever been a more consistently powerful speaker on race or social justice topics.
“No. 6: LeBron stood up to pressure, I don’t believe any NBA player has ever faced or felt, in Game 6 at Boston in 2012 (LeBron had 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists). … Point No. 7: I love the humility that LeBron James displayed moments after he finally broke through and won his first ring in Game 5 in Miami against the Oklahoma City Thunder (LeBron said it’s about damn time). … No. 8: In 2013, LeBron James played a great Game 7 against my Spurs: 37 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals. That was a great Game 7 against what was left of my Spurs. … No. 9: LeBron James is the most durable superstar ever. I’ve said that 100,00 times. … No. 10: LeBron James should’ve been the regular-season MVP this season (2019-20). I said it 19 times on this show. He deserved the MVP.”
Bayless doesn’t like LeBron. He’ll never admit it, but it’s clear as day that Bayless has some personal vendetta against LeBron.
When LeBron signed with the Heat in 2010 to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Bayless — along with every pundit in America — called it a weak move. Everyone wanted to see LeBron take the Jordan route and compete against the NBA’s best players instead of playing with them.
In the 2011 NBA Finals, LeBron choked against the Dallas Mavericks. Bayless had a field day during the summer of 2011, as he ripped LeBron for coming up shorter than mini-me on the NBA’s biggest stage.
At the time, LeBron was 0-2 in the NBA Finals.
In 2012, the Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. LeBron finally won his first championship and Finals MVP, but Bayless didn’t give LeBron any credit. He said Thunder star Kevin Durant gifted LeBron the title since the two All-Stars are friends.
During the 2013 NBA Finals, Bayless’ heart was broken when his San Antonio Spurs lost to LeBron and the Heat in seven games. At the time, Bayless once again didn’t give LeBron props for winning the championship.
Bayless claimed Ray Allen saved LeBron’s’ legacy by hitting the game-tying 3-pointer in Game 6 to send the contest into overtime. The Heat won Games 6 and 7 to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Bayless and the Spurs got their revenge against LeBron and the Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals since San Antonio won the title over Miami.
When LeBron returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2014 and lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2015 NBA Finals, Bayless criticized LeBron for having a losing record in the Finals.
LeBron and the Cavaliers made history in the 2016 NBA Finals by erasing a 3-1 series deficit against the Warriors to win the championship. However, Bayless said LeBron got lucky since the NBA suspended Warriors forward Draymond Green for Game 5.
After winning the 2020 championship with the Lakers, LeBron improved to 4-6 in the NBA Finals.
Incredibly, LeBron has never acknowledged Bayless. The 20-time All-Star doesn’t have time to talk about a critic who is just saying outlandish things for attention.
LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
“Butler isn’t just open to Brooklyn, but fond of it, sources told The Post,” Lewis reported. “Now, he’s not a Net and he might never get close to becoming one. But to dismiss the possibility out of hand is foolish.”
Butler will make $48.8 million next season. The star small forward has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season.
The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 postseason in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games last season for the Heat while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He’s made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
“Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one,” NBA reporter Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald wrote. “He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source.”
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
The Nets are rebuilding after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. However, their rebuild could end if Butler comes to Brooklyn in 2025.
Jordan and LeBron are universally recognized as the two best players in NBA history.
“We played in different eras,” Jordan said. “He’s an unbelievable player. He’s one of the best players in the world, if not the best player in the world. I know it’s a natural tendency to compare eras to eras and it’s gonna continue to happen. I’m a fan of his. I love watching him play.
“But as you can see, our league is starting to expand on very talented players. And I think he’s made his mark. He will continue to do so over a period of time, but when you start the comparisons, I think it is what it is. It’s just a standard of measurement. I take it with a grain of salt. He is a heck of a basketball player without a doubt.”
Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He won five MVPs, one DPOY, six championships, six Finals MVPs and 10 scoring titles.
Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a playoff game.
LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
The Trade: The Miami Heat acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards for Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jović, Josh Richardson and a 2030 first-round pick (protected 1-10)
“Kuzma is a demonstrated 20-point scorer with championship experience in his not-so-distant past,” Hughes wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “Stranded in Washington these past three years, he comes with the standard ‘good stats, bad team’ concerns, but that might also mean the Heat could expect efficiency gains from him in a more functional, talent-rich environment.
“The 28-year-old forward is on a declining contract and offers a ton of what Miami’s offense, which ranked 21st last season, needs. A capable self-creator, solid passer (4.2 assists per game in 2023-24) and good enough catch-and-shoot threat (35.5 percent last year) to draw attention, Kuzma could juice the Heat’s attack and take over a starting gig from Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Tyler Herro, depending on what Erik Spoelstra thinks his first unit needs most.”
Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.7 blocks for the Wizards in 2023-24 while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $23.5 million next season.
Kuzma has career averages of 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Wizards. He won the 2020 championship with the Lakers over the Heat in six games at the Walt Disney World bubble.
“The Wizards could push for swap rights in 2026 and 2028 if they don’t want to wait so long for a pick to convey, or if they don’t like the protections on the 2030 selection they’re getting,” Hughes wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “But Jović is the kind of young, developmental piece Washington should chase, and Robinson could be flipped for value at this trade deadline or the next.”
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Jimmy Butler is “highly motivated” to have a big 2024-25 season for the Miami Heat.
Jimmy Butler
Butler plans to become a free agent next offseason.
Windhorst says Jimmy Butler is one of most intriguing players this season
“It’s fertile ground for Jimmy to have big year and get 1 final contract. Heat have shown in Riley years, they will move off of players when they think that it’s time”
Butler will make $48.8 million next season. The small forward has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season.
The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games last season while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He’s made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
“Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one,” NBA reporter Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald wrote. “He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source.”
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
The Sixers and Houston Rockets were interested in trading for Butler this offseason, sources told Hoops Wire. The Heat, as expected, were not interested in trading Butler.
Pippen also believed LeBron James “was the greatest player this game has ever seen.”
“I may go as far to say Mike ruined basketball,” Pippen wrote. “In the ’80s, on the playgrounds, you’d have everyone moving the ball around — passing to help the team. That stopped in the ’90s. Kids wanted to be ‘Like Mike.’ Well, Mike didn’t want to pass — didn’t want to rebound, or defend the best player. He wanted everything done for him.
“That’s why I always believed LeBron James was the greatest player this game has ever seen — he does everything and embodies what the game is truly about.”
After “The Last Dance” came out in 2020, Pippen began bashing Jordan.
Pippen was frustrated with how “The Last Dance” turned out. Jordan had editorial control over the doc.
“On and on it went, the spotlight shining on number 23,” Pippen wrote. “Even in the second episode, which focused for a while on my difficult upbringing and unlikely path to the NBA, the narrative returned to MJ and his determination to win. I was nothing more than a prop. His ‘best teammates of all time,’ he called me. He couldn’t have been more condescending if he tried.
“On second thought, I could believe my eyes. I spent a lot of time around the man. I knew what made him tick. How naive I was to expect anything else. Each episode was the same: Michael on a pedestal, his teammates secondary, smaller, the message no different from when he referred to us back then as his ‘supporting cast.’ From one season to the next, we received little or no credit whenever we won but the bulk of the criticism when we lost.
“Michael could shoot 6 for 24 from the field, commit 5 turnovers, and he was still, in the minds of the adoring press and public, the Errorless Jordan.”
Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks. He won five MVPs, one DPOY, six championships, six Finals MVPs and 10 scoring titles.
Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a playoff game.
LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
The GOAT debate between Jordan and LeBron is one of the most discussed topics in sports.
Arenas has picked LeBron as his GOAT over Jordan.
“They will never bring up Michael Jordan because he’s not real today,” Arenas said on his podcast. “He’s real like we know who he is, but the only people who bring him up is when LeBron James’ name gets mentioned. That’s the only reason Michael Jordan’s relevant.”
Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He won five MVPs, six championships, six Finals MVPs and 10 scoring titles.
Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a playoff game.
Behind Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls went 6-0 in the NBA Finals and three-peated twice in the ’90s. Jordan is one of three players to win MVP and DPOY in the same season. Hakeem Olajuwon and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the other two.
LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
With the Cavaliers and Heat, LeBron never lost to the Bulls in the playoffs.
Butler plans to become a free agent next offseason.
“Butler reportedly has decided he’ll play out next season and won’t extend in Miami ahead of his opt-out in 2025,” Lewis wrote. “The odds of him picking up his player option are slim unless he agrees to a max deal with the Heat beforehand. The six-time All-Star is the most accomplished standout on that list not named LeBron James, and he likes Brooklyn, according to sources close to the player.”
Butler will make $48.8 million next season. The forward has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season.
The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of this year’s postseason in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games in 2023-24 while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He’s made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
“Butler originally wanted an extension from the Heat this summer, but then changed his mind after Miami did not offer one,” NBA reporter Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald wrote. “He now intends to play out this season and not sign an extension with any team and will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Heat is not shopping Butler, according to a source.”
Butler joined the Heat in 2019. Miami lost in the 2020 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, lost in the 2022 conference finals to the Celtics, lost in the 2023 Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round this year to Boston.
The Nets are rebuilding after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. However, their rebuild could end if Butler comes to Brooklyn in 2025.
LeBron made the NBA Finals eight straight times in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The first four were with the Miami Heat and the second four were with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Heat won the title in 2012 and 2013. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, won it all in 2016, becoming the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals.
LeBron is one of the greatest — if not the greatest — players in NBA history. He has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks.
LeBron is a four-time regular-season MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP. He became the leading scorer in NBA history during the 2022-23 season, passing NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
LeBron is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.
LeBron is the only player to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
LeBron has played for the Cavaliers (twice), Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the oldest (39) player in the NBA right now but still an elite force.
For the Lakers last season, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Lakers in 2023-24 in 71 games while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
