Why Jimmy Butler Wants to ‘Third Wheel’ Next to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker

As Jimmy Butler prepares for a potential return to the court on Friday when the Miami Heat face the Denver Nuggets, tensions have been rising for weeks. With contract disputes and questions surrounding his role in the offense, new details have emerged regarding Butler’s feelings about his place within the team, including his relationship with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently shed light on the growing disconnect between Butler and the Heat’s leadership, as well as his desire to potentially join the Phoenix Suns alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Butler’s Frustration with His Role on the Miami Heat

Reports indicate that Butler has expressed frustration with how the Heat’s offense has been structured. According to Shelburne, while Butler wasn’t upset about Adebayo being named team captain, it signaled to him that the team was prioritizing the younger players like Adebayo and Herro over him. This felt like validation that the team was shifting its focus away from Butler, despite his crucial role in leading the Heat to two NBA Finals.

Butler, who had just completed his fourth season with the team, appeared to be struggling with his reduced role in the offense. Sources close to Butler reported that he felt sidelined, as players like Adebayo and Herro became the focal points of the team’s strategy. Butler found himself standing in the corner during games, waiting for an opportunity to contribute, which he found less fulfilling and demotivating.

Jimmy Butler’s Desire for a New Role: Phoenix Suns or Bust?

The tension reached a boiling point when Butler expressed frustration over being relegated to a secondary role within the team. According to Shelburne, Butler would rather be a “second or third wheel” to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns than continue in Miami under the current circumstances.

A source close to Butler was quoted as saying, “If they’re doing this transition to Bam and Tyler, Jimmy’s like, ‘Fine, do your transition.’ If [he’s] going to be the second or third wheel, [he’ll] be that in Phoenix to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.” The sentiment behind these words underscores Butler’s potential willingness to embrace a less prominent role with a team where he feels more valued alongside Durant and Booker, two established stars.

The Fallout and Suspension: Butler’s Diminished Role

Butler’s frustrations weren’t only verbal. After returning from a 13-day illness absence, he struggled to find joy in his game, even admitting on January 2 that he had lost his “joy” of playing basketball. This led to a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team on January 3, signaling a serious rift between Butler and the Miami Heat organization.

The Bigger Picture: Butler’s Future with the Heat

Despite the drama surrounding Butler’s future with the Heat, many fans are taking the reports with a grain of salt, recognizing that the situation is still fluid. With rumors swirling about Butler’s dissatisfaction and desire for a change, only time will tell if he will continue in Miami or seek a new home with a team like the Phoenix Suns.

Conclusion: Butler’s Next Move

As Jimmy Butler prepares to potentially rejoin the team on Friday, all eyes are on his relationship with the Miami Heat and the shifting dynamics with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Will Butler continue with the Heat, or could he look to become a “third wheel” next to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds.