Pat Riley on the potential expansion of Jimmy Butler: We have to think about it unless you have someone available every night.

Jimmy Butler's future in Miami has become a hot topic in league circles after the Heat's first round exit. Butler still has one season guaranteed on his contract at $48.8 million before a $52.2 million player option in 2025-26. The 34-year-old, who will turn 35 in September, will seek a contract extension this summer, meaning the Heat risk parting ways with Dwyane Wade in the franchise if they prioritize future flexibility and an extension is not quick. More than one contender out there has also wondered if Philadelphia, after its first-round exit, will trade Butler to reacquire close friend Joel Embiid if the 76ers are unable to use their $50-plus million in salary cap space to acquire a perceived target. right up there is Paul George. Butler's successful stay in South Beach, of course, began when the Sixers prioritized keeping Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris over Butler and agreed to sign and trade him to Miami when the Heat had little cap space. -via marcstein.substack.com / May 5, 2024