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“Keep Your Mouth Shut”: Disgruntled Pat Riley Attacks Jimmy Butler As $161 Million Decision Turns Ugly

Published 05/06/2024, 2:16 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Jimmy Butler may have barked up the wrong tree this time, and the result may cost him a pretty penny. In Butler’s absence, the Boston Celtics swept the Miami Heat in the first round 4-1. The valiant efforts of both Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo were not nearly enough to stop the Celtics. Amid the harrowing loss, the Six Time All-Star thought it would be a good idea to troll Boston, but he seems to have poked a grizzly bear.

Pat Riley, the legendary President of the Heat, has some choice words for Jimmy Buckets. According to an X post by Barry Jackson, Riley said, “If you’re not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut,” when speaking about Jimmy trolling.

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This offseason Butler is up for an extension with Miami. However, there’s more than his trolling preventing that from becoming a reality. There are rampant rumors surrounding a trade with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, which also might be a contributing factor in Miami not re-signing Butler.

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On top of that, his availability has been a constant issue. The 34-year-old only started in 6o games this season. Missing the play-in and the playoffs after getting hurt in the game against the Sixers. Riley said, “Heat will need to give a lot of thought if Butler asks for extension in July, as expected. ” If indeed the executives decide not to sign him, he’ll incur a heavy loss.

How much money does Jimmy Butler stand to lose?

In his current contract, Butler was in line to make $48.7 Million in the next season, including a player option of $52 Million amounting to $101.2 Million. Now, the 34-year-old is looking at a potential two-year extension, with salaries hiking to $54.3 million for the 2025-26 season (a near $2 million raise) and $58.6 million for the 2026-2027 season, when he’ll be 37.

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These figures may vary based on the NBA’s salary cap for those periods. However, due to the over-38 rule, Butler can only sign an extension that covers the next two years, including the remaining guaranteed year on his current contract. Essentially, he’s seeking a three-year commitment worth $161.7 million to replace the remaining two years and $101.2 million on his existing deal (should he choose to exercise the 2025-26 player option).

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So, his spat with Pat Riley may have come at a time in which there is no other option for him but to ask for a trade to Philadelphia. Still, only time can tell what the future holds for him. Will Butler remain with the Heat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by:

Akashdeep Banerjee

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Akashdeep Banerjee is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He commenced his journey in sports writing after obtaining a degree in Mass Communication. The pinnacle of the three-point revolution, marked by the captivating performances of Stephen Curry and the GSW, ignited his passion.
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