A fan receives an incredible birthday gift from Heat player Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler, a standout with the Miami Heat, is adept at making a fan feel extra special on their birthday. Few NBA players would go to the lengths that Butler did, surprising the fans with a birthday cake and then joining in on their national anthem.
Okay, so Butler wasn’t exactly word-phobic. But in a video that has gone viral on social media, he played the conductor before wishing the tearful-eyed admirer a happy birthday.
Even after suffering a season-ending injury during the postseason, Butler is still upbeat. The six-time All-Star, who is renowned for being a guy who frequently shows devotion to his fans, travels the world, and understands how to have fun during the offseason, usually operates like this. Many, however, are curious about how he and his body will do as he approaches the last year of his three-year, $146 million contract with the Heat.
According to Brian Windhorst, Jimmy Butler will be “very motivated” in 2024–2025.
Butler suffered an MCL sprain against the Philadelphia 76ers in their first Play-In Tournament game, and he witnessed Miami fall 4-1 to them in their best-of-seven opening-round series against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Butler’s future in Miami could be derailed by a poor run of health. Butler, a six-time All-Star, will have to demonstrate his worth for a sizable rise in 2024–25 as Heat president Pat Riley has not indicated that he plans to extend Butler’s deal. Butler is 35 years old.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst predicted in a recent episode of his podcast “The Hoop Collective” that Butler will come into the next season determined to exact revenge. Windhorst declared, “I’m basically saying buy [the Heat] because Jimmy Butler is going to be highly motivated.” Jimmy seems to be looking for excuses not to play at times. And perhaps that will end up being the case, but I think Jimmy will be going all out to prove himself to the Heat and everyone else in the NBA.
In 60 games in 2023–24, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. He has a $52.4 million player option for 2025–2026.