Is Jimmy Butler pulling the strings in Miami?
The six-time All-Star alluded to his involvement in the Heat’s trade deadline decisions following the team’s 116-111 win over the Indiana Pacers. Butler confirmed that point guard Kyle Lowry would remain in Miami despite rumors of his departure circulating for weeks. The deadline was Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.
Being the comedian that he is, Butler delivered the news in an intriguing fashion.
After giving a winded speech about how he didn’t control Lowry’s future, Butler finished with a quick “He ain’t going nowhere,” before smirking and looking away.
Butler remains confident in Lowry despite his recent dip in production. The six-time All-Star is averaging just 12 points and shooting 39.6 percent. Lowry played a key role in the Toronto Raptors’ championship victory in 2019.
Cemented as the franchise player, Butler clearly has pull with the Heat.
Butler joined Miami in 2019 and helped the team reach the Finals in his first year. He became the second player in history to lead a Finals team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
The 33-year-old directed the Heat back to the Eastern Conference championship last season, but Miami lost in a seven-game series to the Boston Celtics.
Star players seeming to have an influence on their team’s decisions is nothing new. LeBron James has been widely accused of forcing his team to ship teammates off or acquiring his favorite stars.
Whether or not that’s the case in Miami, Butler is surely considered when it comes to any major movements within the organization — and rightfully so. It’s never a great idea to upset the player you’ve entrusted with the keys to your franchise.
The Heat (30-25) are sixth in the East and have a solid shot at making another deep run in the playoffs, especially in a conference that’s losing superstars.
