The Miami Heat and star Jimmy Butler were embroiled in one of the most intriguing public feuds in NBA history for weeks before to the February 6 trade deadline. After Butler made it plain that he wanted to leave Miami, the Golden State Warriors finally agreed to let him go.
Butler had two NBA Finals trips in five seasons during his incredibly successful tenure with the Heat, but their breakup undoubtedly left a nasty taste in everyone’s mouth. Following the turmoil with the Heat, many fans—including some Miami legends—turned against Butler.
Tim Hardaway, a former Heat All-Star and Hall of Famer, visited Gil’s Arena and spoke candidly about Butler.
“I no longer wish to participate in the play-in games. In order to prepare for our opponent, I would like to have a week off and be in the playoffs. We’ll be new. That was not what Jimmy wanted to accomplish. Jimmy wanted to continue taking games off, like he always did. He was unharmed. Hardaway remarked, “He was just taking games off.”
Despite the retiring legend’s All-Star selections with both teams, Hardaway has already voiced his distaste for the new Warriors star. The five-time All-NBA selection is not afraid to express his emotions, and Hardaway recently dubbed Butler a “crybaby” on SiriusXM NBA Radio for everything that happened in Miami.
Tyler Herro Shares Bam Adebayo’s Valuable All-Star Weekend Advice
MIAMI – As the Miami Heat prepare to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, Tyler Herro returns from an eventful All-Star break where he proudly represented the team. In his first All-Star appearance, Herro revealed some key advice he received from teammate Bam Adebayo before the weekend’s festivities.
Beyond earning his first All-Star selection, Herro also won the three-point contest, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to do so. Speaking to ClutchPoints after practice on Thursday, Herro shared that Adebayo—an All-Star for the third time—warned him about the fast-paced nature of the weekend and encouraged him to stay focused and enjoy the experience.
“Bam told me it was going to be a hectic weekend, with constant activities and commitments every day,” Herro said. “But I had fun just being present and sharing the moment with all the great players and legends.”
Herro Shines in Three-Point Contest, Continues Stellar Season
Herro’s breakout season continued as he claimed the three-point contest title. He is currently leading the Heat with career-best numbers, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. With 189 made three-pointers, he ranks fifth in the league in that category.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed excitement rather than nerves while watching Herro’s performance, confident in his ability to rise to the occasion.
“I was watching with a couple of cold beverages,” Spoelstra joked. “I was just excited for him to be on that stage with so many eyes on him. That’s when he’s at his best.”
Spoelstra Reflects on Herro’s Growth Since Entering the League
Herro’s first All-Star appearance and three-point contest victory marked a major milestone in his career. Spoelstra looked back on their first meeting after the Heat drafted Herro in 2019, recalling the young guard’s ambition and determination.
“It must have been surreal for him,” Spoelstra said. “He had big dreams coming into this league, and he still does. From the start, I told him I’d coach him, guide him, and help him develop to achieve his goals. But what I love most about this year is that he came in with a clear mind, just focused on helping the team and making an impact in any way possible.”
With Herro playing the best basketball of his career, the Heat hope his momentum will help them contend as they push toward the playoffs.
