Spurs’ Walker helps clean up after protests

While there have been additional issues to come up along the way, the devolving relationship between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat is about money, explains Brian Windhorst. The Heat decided not to offer Butler a two-year, $113 million extension last offseason and his current agitation for a trade is about his desire to secure his next contract. Butler would like a trade to the Phoenix Suns who are reportedly prepared to sign him to the type of multi-year contract he is seeking.

“We have a big problem here because Jimmy Butler isn’t going to extend with any team,” said Windhorst on First Take on Tuesday. “Because teams know that, they are offering the Heat right now the poo poo platter.

“There’s only one team that’s ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants and that’s the Phoenix Suns.”

Butler is on a seven-game suspension and the Heat expect him to play for them again when it concludes assuming he is not traded by then.

“We are at a genuine stalemate,” said Windhorst. “I don’t know how it’s going to play out. The Heat are preparing internally for this to last past suspension. Not because they have some sort of sinister motive but because they know what offers they’ve gotten and they stink.”

Butler is in the final season of a $49 million contract and has a player option for $52 million in 25-26.

“At the heart of this, it’s about money,” said Windhorst.