The 2020-21 season did not go as expected for the Miami Heat. They struggled to build any momentum in the regular season, which resulted in a sixth-place finish and a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. The Heat’s offseason began shortly after, as Milwaukee exacted some revenge after Miami bounced them from the Orlando Bubble.

Miami will have some decisions to make this offseason. Pat Riley always seems to have something up his sleeve, so you know they will explore every avenue to upgrade their roster. However, atop their to-do list should be retaining Jimmy Butler.

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Is there a better match in the NBA culture and personality-wise than Butler and the Heat? They are a perfect match and could be together for many more years if recent reports turn out to be true.

According to Ethan Skolnick of Five Reason Sports Network, the Heat and Butler are expected to agree on a max contract extension.

Earlier in June, it was reported that Butler would seek a max contract extension from the organization. Following that, it was reported that the team would be prepared to offer Butler that exact extension when the time came. Now, with the ball seemingly back in his court, it sounds as if Butler will be accepting the offer.

“They (Heat) don’t have hesitations about this,” said Five Reasons Sports Network’s Ethan Skolnick regarding the Heat offering Butler an extension. “They want Jimmy to be a fulcrum of the organization going forward so for people who had concerns about that. That is going to be offered at some point this offseason, and Jimmy Butler, my understanding, is going to take it.”

This is a no-brainer for both sides. Butler has thrived in Miami, helping lead the team to the NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble against the Los Angeles Lakers. Having a player of Butler’s caliber locked in long-term will also make recruiting easier for the Heat, as prospective free agents won’t have to worry about being left high and dry in a season or two.

With the Butler extension seemingly out of the way, the Heat will turn their attention to restricted free agent Duncan Robinson, who will probably break the bank this offseason given his elite 3-point shooting ability.“

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