"So close yet so far" - NBA fans give damning takes on Jimmy Butler's Heat legacy with $49 M star on trade block

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler's time with the Heat appears to be running out. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Butler "prefers a trade out of Miami" ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. His legacy with the Heat has stirred up a conversation on social media.

A fan on X started the conversation by asking how Butler's era with the Heat would be remembered. One user responded by referencing how close the franchise has been to winning a championship under him, with the closest being in 2020 and 2023.

"So close yet so far," one fan said.

Other fans shared the same sentiment on social media.

"It won’t he got carried to the finals by max strus and failed in the biggest game in the finals it was a bad run," a fan tweeted.

"I mean isn’t it the same story on every team he’s been on? I love Jimmy but he’s not a franchise elevating player. He’s not going to land anywhere with a better surrounding than he has in Miami currently," another fan added.

"Lotta talk and nothing to back it up with," another fan mentioned.

Other fans didn't think he would have a proper legacy with the franchise.

"It won’t be remembered," a fan wrote.

"Ehh, not sure it will be. Couple fun playoff runs," another fan tweeted

With a $49 million salary for this season and a $52 million player option for the next season, Butler's contract has made a trade lucrative to both potential parties.

Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.

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What's next for Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat?

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are at crossroads ahead of the trade deadline. With Butler potentially leaving, Tyler Herro, who's having a career year, need to shoulder more responsibilities especially on the offensive end of the floor.

Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro - Source: Imagn

The Miami Heat (14-13) are sixth in the Eastern Conference. While they are not in action for the Christmas games, they hope to win two consecutive games when they visit the Orlando Magic on Dec. 28.

For now, the Miami Heat would need to keep their focus and not let the Jimmy Butler saga distract them.