Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler knows how to make a fan feel special on his birthday. Not many NBA stars would go as far as Butler, who brought a surprise birthday cake and then sang “Happy Birthday” in the fan’s native language.
OK, so Butler didn’t actually know the lyrics. However, he played the conductor in the video before wishing the fan a happy birthday with tears in his eyes. The video went viral on social media.
Despite his season-ending injury in the postseason, Butler remains in good spirits. That’s usually the norm for the six-time All-Star, who is known as a guy who often shows affection to his fans, travels the world and knows how to have fun in the offseason.
But when it’s time to return to the basketball court, many wonder how he and his body will respond in the final year of his three-year, $146 million contract with the Heat.
Brian Windhorst says Jimmy Butler will be “highly motivated” in 2024-25
Butler watched Miami lose 4-1 to the Boston Celtics in the first best-of-seven series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs after spraining a medial collateral ligament in the first play-in tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Poor health could jeopardize Butler’s future in Miami. Heat president Pat Riley has shown no signs of extending Butler’s contract, meaning the 35-year-old six-time All-Star will have to prove he’s worth a hefty raise in 2024-25.
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In a recent episode of his podcast “The Hoop Collective,” ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst says Butler will enter the upcoming season with all his might.
“I generally say buy (the Heat) because Jimmy Butler will be highly motivated,” Windhorst said. “Sometimes it seems like Jimmy is looking for reasons not to play. And maybe that will continue, but I think Jimmy will be in killer mode trying to prove himself to the Heat and everyone else in the league.”
Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.3 steals per game in 60 games during the 2023-24 season. He has a player option for the 2025-26 season worth $52.4 million.