The Miami Heat are in a bit of a funk. In fact, that's been the case since the 2023 NBA Finals run.
After that incredible run in which they were led by Jimmy Butler, the glamour franchise has had a rough two seasons. Last season was another tough one despite making the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the lowly Eastern Conference.
The Heat made the playoffs despite being eight games under .500. Their ability in the playoffs was questioned, and it was evident they didn't belong after a rough four-game sweep they suffered at the hands of the No. 1 seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Miami did so despite trading their franchise player for the last six years in Butler. Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors prior to the 2025 trade deadline.
There was a ton of tension between Butler and the Heat, and that came to a boiling point on multiple occasions throughout last season. A ton of things didn't go right, but according to a recent report by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Butler broke a promise to the organization.
Jackson noted how Butler promised the Heat he would behave, but that did not end up being the case.
"A Heat source said Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, promised Miami that Butler would comport himself well last season and would never complain about not getting a contract extension," wrote Jackson. "That proved to be untrue, leaving the Heat without any bargaining position at the trade deadline. In retrospect, the Heat should have sought that assurance directly from Butler last July."
This story will be updated....
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