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The Miami Heat’s championship run with superstar Jimmy Butler is almost over. If Butler isn’t worthy of a max contract, Heat team president Pat Riley seldom gives him one, so it shouldn’t be shocking if this is his last season in Miami. The 35-year-old’s replacement might be none other than Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Bleacher Report.
“Even if Butler remains with Miami beyond the summer of 2025, it’s probably fair to expect the “face of the franchise” mantle to soon pass to someone else (presumably Bam Adebayo),” B/R’s Andy Bailey wrote. “All of that suggests the Heat could be in the market for a new small forward.” The more ideal route for the Heat is allowing sophomore Jaime Jaquez Jr. to develop into a franchise cornerstone. If unable, exploring the idea of a blockbuster trade becomes more reasonable.
Ingram is not a regular All-Star but does consistently average 20 points on efficient shooting splits. “Now, of course, Ingram isn’t on track to be the next Butler. Far from it,” Bailey wrote. “And Miami could reasonably talk itself into Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro eventually replacing their current superstar. But adding Ingram could give those two a bit more runway.
Riley is not hesitant to bring in top talent from outside the company, but only if the offer is reasonable.
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