PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Pat Riley did it again; he surprised the NBA world on Monday, completing a sign-and-trade for All-Star guard Jimmy Butler.
He had to give up Josh Richardson, and a few other pieces (Hassan Whiteside and his TERRIBLE contract.) But, the Heat and Pat Riley got a guy in Jimmy Butler who will be an extension of Riley in the locker room. Both guys are all about the work ethic; there are stories that Shaq and Riley never fully got along because of this, and Jimmy Butler requested out of Minnesota because KAT, Wiggins and the other young player with the Timberwolves couldn't satisfy Jimmy's desire to win
Will the Jimmy Butler trade result in another title for the Heat? That is tough to see as currently constructed, but that does not mean this wasn't a great move for the franchise. For the first time since LeBron left and Chris Bosh was taken off the court permanently due to blood clots, the Heat have a true alpha in the locker room, and a guy who can take them out of NBA purgatory (hovering around .500) and get them in position to add pieces that will result in a title contender.
