Jimmy Butler has a bold statement for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Even though the Miami Heat had a poor and underwhelming offseason, losing Gabe Vincent and Max Strus as well as failing to add a third star via trade, Jimmy Butler isn’t stopping from proclaiming how the reigning Eastern Conference Champs are aspiring nothing less than the title.
Additionally, Butler is also eager to defeat Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s freshly formed tandem in the process.
"“I am happy for Damian Lillard to be somewhere he is wanted, where he has a chance to win the championship I am also happy for Adrian Griffin because to be in the first year and have some of the guys you have,” Butler said in an interview with Taylor Rooks. “I am still going to be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title. I mean it every year, just the emotions.”"
“I am happy for Dame … but I’m still gonna be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title.”@JimmyButler sits down with @TaylorRooks to discuss the Damian Lillard trade and expectations for this upcoming season pic.twitter.com/VkJSDRBGhm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 2, 2023
Being a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, Butler’s comments may reflect how he feels about the Heat being significantly shorthanded at present, but they also highlight the uncertainty that the NBA entails. For instance – just weeks back Butler had intentions of winning the championship with Dame by his side, but now he has expressed his intention to defeat him and his team in the 2023-24 regular season.
Lillard’s alternatives that can help Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in their championship pursuit
Being the front-runner to acquire Dame ever since he demanded a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami has blown it after the Bucks got Lillard. Given that Miami isn’t in the ideal position to replicate their NBA Finals run this year, Butler and company are in serious need of adding another superstar before the start of the next season, just so that they don’t endure a slow start.
James Harden could be an ideal fit for Erik Spoelstra’s squad. Despite developing a reputation for wanting to secure his individual gains at all costs., there is no disputing that ‘The Beard’ still has the ability to make significant contributions as the team’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, and possibly contesting at an All-Star level as well.
For those who aren’t aware – Harden even led the league in assists per game and averaged 21.0 points over 58 regular season games just this past season.
Zach LaVine is another superstar Miami can look to target. Although the two-time All-Star is the catalyst for the Chicago Bulls, his name has come up in the trade rumor mill as well this summer. Chicago may want to make a fresh start as their core ages, with LaVine being the most likely trade target for all NBA teams.
Not only can Miami’s offensive output increase with LaVine’s arrival but the franchise would be the perfect destination for the three-level scorer who has great pace control and ball-handling skills in clutch situations.