Q: Regarding the Jimmy Butler situation, short of an attractive trade offer, the Heat may be better off holding on to him as Pat Riley said they will. Sure, picks and a serviceable player would be great for rebuilding, except that’s not this organization’s usual approach. But maybe they’re right here because Jimmy may have already used up his “throwing a fit” to get moved from Minnesota. And let’s be real here, he wants a new, big contract at 35 years old. So his options are either to show up for this team for his own sake, or damage his own reputation further and still not get what he wants in terms of a contract next year, because he will be viewed as a risky move. I think the Heat are wise to sit back and say, “OK Jimmy, how do you want to position yourself for this summer’s negotiations?” – Eddie, South Bend
A: My counter would be for many of the players who have acted out over the years, most still have managed to land in spots where they have become valued and respected. Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks stands as one example, James Harden with the Clippers as another. “Acting out” might be viewed externally as bad taste, but what earns respect inside the NBA is winning and productivity. Jimmy Butler still has the opportunity to achieve both the balance of this season, even with the occasional moment. What he can’t afford is to miss too many more games.
Q: I can’t stand when these star player/team issues get litigated through the media. Given the landscape, it seems the rumors and nonsense surrounding the Heat will continue. – John, Ocala.
A: Agree. And social media wouldn’t have it any other way. And in this quid pro quo world of trading favors for inside information, some executive somewhere will assuredly pass along that the Heat still are taking calls on Jimmy Butler – which they should. A 35-year-old forward seeking more than a team seems willing to spend, one who has missed numerous games, simply can’t be off limits, no matter what a Hall of Famer says, with all due respect to Pat Riley.
Q: Ira, Isaiah Stevens is presently the only true point guard on the roster. Can his two-way deal be converted to a standard contract? I’ve seen him play multiple times in the G League and, although he is small, he has some promise. – Bill, Palm Beach Gardens.
A: Yes, with one open roster spot, the Heat will retain the ability to convert one of their two-way players to a standard deal in time for the playoffs, which is noteworthy considering players on two-deals are not eligible for the postseason. But there also is no guarantee that the final roster spot, when the luxury-tax allows, will necessarily be filled by a two-way player. There also will be the buyout market, although the Heat will be limited there to a player making $12 million or less when waived (in other words, no Kevin Love-type addition). In essence, this continues as an open tryout for Isaiah Stevens and Josh Christopher, with plenty of time for roster shuffling before a playoff roster has to be set.