Report: Butler expected to signal desire to play for Heat
Four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler is expected to inform the Miami Heat of his desire to play for the team, a source told The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds.
The Heat are projected to be well over the salary cap for 2019-20. Adding the soon-to-be 30-year-old would thus necessitate shedding significant money, either to sign the veteran wing outright or acquire him in a sign-and-trade with his most recent team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Through a sign-and-trade, Butler would be entitled to a four-year contract worth up to 30 percent of the 2019-20 salary cap in Year 1 with annual raises of five percent; he could make up to $141.1 million over the duration of the contract.
After forcing an early-season trade away from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Butler was a stabilizing force for an ascendant but relatively inexperienced 76ers team. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists, and 1.8 steals per game in 55 regular-season appearances for Philadephia.
Butler is also expected to meet with his hometown Houston Rockets in Los Angeles next week.