ESPN SAD news reports that a Miami Heat fan favorite star has rejected a new contract and confirmed his desire to leave.

NBA Insider reports that Jimmy Butler may end up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It’s been more and more obvious in recent months that Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat could be splitting up. If this happens, the All-Star forward might be best served by joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Since joining the Miami Heat in 2019 as a result of a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, Butler’s career has been filled with both victories and disappointments. In his rookie campaign, he averaged 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while leading the team to an unexpected Finals matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the Orlando Bubble, the Heat lost six games in spite of his outstanding play.

A few years later, Butler and the Heat made it back to the NBA Finals, where they were matched up against the Denver Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic. They lost the series in five games despite their heroic efforts. Because of Butler’s knee injury, the Heat’s postseason run ended early in the first round of the previous season. Miami suffered greatly without their main player, which resulted in an earlier-than-expected playoff elimination. His absence was felt greatly.

Butler and the Heat now have an unclear future ahead of them. It’s uncertain if he’ll sign a free agent contract with a new team, be moved, or stay in Miami as his contract extension approaches.

Cavaliers Eyed as Potential Jimmy Butler Destination

The front staff in Miami has not yet made a firm announcement regarding Butler’s potential maximum contract extension. If they decide against it, Anthony Pasciolla of SI suggested that Butler would sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers to play alongside All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.

“This is just me speaking; I didn’t elicit any information or ask any questions. However, Pompey stated, “The Cleveland Cavaliers are the one team I would pay attention to if they were willing to move Jimmy, though I’m not sure if they are.

“Rich Paul said they might try to transfer Darius Garland if you grant Donovan Mitchell an extension. The reports seem to support that, but ultimately, I believe Cleveland will have to decide. But it’s unclear if Jimmy would be interested in going there,” Pasciolla added.

With Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen as possible trade components and Darius Garland’s role mirroring Mitchell’s, the Cavaliers have all the ingredients needed to get Butler. The Heat might be interested in a deal if these players are included.

In Cleveland, Butler and Mitchell’s pairing would surely have an effect on the Eastern Conference the next year. Everything will be watching this trend, especially if the Heat decide in the next months not to extend Butler’s contract to its maximum amount.