Charles Barkley makes feelings clear on Jimmy Butler trade fiasco as Heat star chases $112.6M max extension

Charles Barkley declared Jimmy Butler's Miami Heat career was over on Inside the NBA last Tuesday. He doubled down on his stance Tuesday night, outlining his contract situation and recent suspension.

Barkley warned teams against trading for Butler without a contract extension, due to the high risk of him opting out after one year with no guarantee.

"I wouldn't trade for him unless he gave me a contract extension, because I can't take that chance that he's going to leave after one year, because you go out to give up the good stuff." said Barkley on Inside the NBA

He also voiced his dissatisfaction with well-compensated star players like Jimmy Butler demanding top dollar well past their best years.

"The notion that once you're past your prime, they got to keep paying you top dollar, I don't think that's right. They have paid him. He's making $50 million here. Jimmy's been a hell of a player"

Few teams in the market will have the cap room to offer Butler a contract of his liking, meaning the Cold War between Pat Riley and his star player could continue. Butler made it clear on Monday that he still believes he is in his prime and the trade saga could reportedly last past his suspension period.

Butler, who turns 36 in September, does not fit the timeline of Brooklyn Nets who are the only ones with more than $40 million in cap space. The 6x All-Star has seemingly also discounted Grizzlies as one of his landing spots and the Phoenix Suns (+175) have emerged as favorites to land the disguntled star. Jimmy Butler's hometown Houston Rockets (+500) are also among the contenders to land him.

"Because of the league's Over-38 rule, the maximum extension Miami could sign Butler is for two years, $112.6 million. If Butler were traded, he would be eligible to sign a two-year, $111 million extension with his new team" - ESPN's Bobby Marks

Jimmy Butler enjoys business success amid Heat suspension

Four years after grabbing the headlines in the NBA bubble by starting his own coffee brand, Jimmy Butler has grown his coffee empire and found a possible second career in brewing the drink.

Amid growing speculations during his suspension, Jimmy Butler has seemingly found repose in Big Face Coffee. French soccer star Paul Pogba has been one of Butler's major supporters in this endeavor and reportedly helped babysit Butler's children in December.

Jimmy Butler with Paul Pogba in Miami (via Butler's instagram)

Butler has reportedly spent millions on his coffee venture and sees it as more than just a hobby. There's a $101 billion market for the beverage and other celebrities, including actor Tom Hanks and the band Green Day, have their own blends of coffee. Butler's coffee blend is more highly priced than other celebrities, but was ranked highly in a list of celebrity coffee brands by Mashed.com.