The Lakers’ road loss to the Pistons in November served as a cautionary tale of how wrong things could go.

On Monday, Los Angeles had its much-anticipated rematch.

And many of the same problems persisted.

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://www.twitter.com/BiggLynch/status/1872039558277484613

Jimmy Butler statement the Heat just released from Pat Riley

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

SergioNYK wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:https://bsky.app/profile/fredkatz.bsky.social/post/3lea4xfpr4c27

Jimmy Butler statement the Heat just released from Pat Riley

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

AKA we're not getting **** for a declining 35 year old hasbeen.

This year's second round exit courtesy of Sergio!

Kidding... I think.

Look at his games played: https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butleji01.html
What is it with him "This time"? He wants his money? He is not with the team the last few games.
I respect his game but when you a max deal you are the franchise. Does he want to win? Sure, is he willing to renegotiate a smaller deal with Miami?
That 48mm cap hit this year to make a trade now is not easy. Has to be a team with cap space or tradable assets. Minny could do Randle and DDV and make it work, but if your them thats silly. Net effect is KAT for Butler. Glen Taylor still has ownership and Jimmy burned him years ago, I doubt he wants him back even for petty reasons.
Plus, Jimmy does his player option at 53mm it kills them. Renegotiate? Have a guy making good money play 50 some odd games a year on a multi year deal? doubt thats logical.

Riley is going to do what's best for the team and his owners financials.

martin wrote:I think I read that Jimmy is looking for a 3 year $100M contract extension. I think that includes opting out of the $53M.

Yes, I did read he'd opt out but did not know the number.
Thats not a crazy number for a 36-38 year old.
But not many teams can do this as a trade this year with that big 48mm cap hit. Even if prorated, its a big trade. teams over can't combine contracts to do a deal.

If he walks, Im sure Miami would prefer that. He could just opt in and then postpone his FA a year and net the same on a two year 50mil deal.
If he wants, he could lower his price and chase a ring. He has earned that right.

Would I like him off the bench next year? Of course. But we can't afford 25mm bench player. Thats still starter money.
Trade Josh after the season? I kind of think he part of the family, so no. 15mm? perhaps.

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://www.twitter.com/fredkatz/status/1872826604566782006

Philc1 wrote:

ToddTT wrote:Dude, that's not cool. Laughing at someone's misfort...

Oh... it's Embiid. Carry on.

BigDaddyG wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://www.twitter.com/BiggLynch/status/1872039558277484613

Softer than jello