<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> is officially Hollywood. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> and Argentina star made his acting debut in a major Hollywood promo alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-with-will-smith-and-martin-lawrence-in-video-promoting-bad-boys-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Will Smith and Martin Lawrence</a>, promoting the duo’s upcoming film, Bad Boys 4 or Bad Boys: Ride or Die.



The spot also features Miami Heat star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Butler</a> trying to convince Smith and Lawrence, who are in their roles as “Mike” Lowrey and Marcus Miles Burnett, to take him in as their new “Bad Boy” recruit.



The social media spot was uploaded by the official Bad Boys Instagram account and has been shared by all the stars involved. The video has 251,000 likes and 4,000 comments.



<h2>Lionel Messi Cameo in Bad Boys 4 Spot</h2>


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As for Messi, after Butler “fails” his Bad Boys test, the duo gets an unexpected visit from World Cup winner and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi. After Messi’s poor attempt to say “Bad Boys,” Lowrey and Burnett decide against their new “recruit.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jimmy Butler in the new Bad Boys trailer. 😂 (h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/TrustSwisho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TrustSwisho</a>) <a href="https://t.co/yR1OOyOGSL">pic.twitter.com/yR1OOyOGSL</a>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1795310909243723997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Messi has been racking up top-notch spots in the US. From his Super Bowl commercial to his Lay’s spot, the Argentine is capitalizing on his new exposure in the United States.


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Bad Boys 4 hits theaters on June 7th and had an estimated production budget of $100 million.

Lionel Messi and Jimmy Butler with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys 4 promo

Messi, Butler with Smith and Lawrence in Bad Boys 4 promo - Bolavip US

Lionel Messi's American Acting Debut with Jimmy Butler, Will Smith, and Martin Lawrence

miniaturas

Pat Riley made a lot of noise with his end-of-season press conference on Monday. The Miami Heat president left Jimmy Butler‘s future up in the air, questioning his unavailability for much of the year and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jimmy-butler-mocks-boston-celtics-on-instagram">Butler’s mocking of other teams</a> while being ruled out for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> playoffs.



Shortly after Riley’s comments, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel spoke to Butler’s agent Bernie Lee, who claimed his client only missed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Heat</a> games due to family reasons or injury.



“Jimmy missed 22 games this past year, a mix of personal reasons and injury. If there was a game that was on the schedule that Jimmy was healthy enough to participate in, he did that,” Lee said. “He played in a number of back-to-backs. It was the utmost priority to him to do everything he can to be available.”



The Heat had once again to make the playoffs via the Play-In, but this time, they couldn’t pull off another upset and were beaten in the first round by the #1 seed Celtics. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Butler</a> missed the series due to injury and the team felt his absence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240507_BUS_124485_Butler-and-Riley-1024x576_44d23a10.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo with president Pat Riley during his introductory press conference at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida." class="wp-image-124511" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Butler-and-Riley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Butler-and-Riley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Butler-and-Riley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Butler-and-Riley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Butler-and-Riley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo with president Pat Riley during his introductory press conference at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Butler’s future in Miami uncertain due to contract demands</h2>



At 34, Butler is still under contract through the 2024-25 with an option for the following season. However, the Marquette product will reportedly seek a two-year, $113 million contract extension this offseason.


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That raises questions about his future with the Heat, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pat-riley">Riley</a> fueling even more trade rumors by stating the Heat will have to think about it, citing Butler’s availability as a factor to take into consideration.



“That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night,” Riley said, via ESPN. “That’s the truth.“



Lee didn’t want to reveal his client’s contract intentions, but suggested there will be talks with the Heat. What’s interesting is that Butler still sees Miami as a place where he can spend the next of his career despite Riley’s recent comments.



“Once he got to this organization, he got to an organization that wholeheartedly has embraced him in every single way,” Lee said. “Look, they’re both cut from the same cloth. There’s going to be honest conversations that have to be had this summer about how to move forward, but those conversations aren’t going to be driven by anything other than, ‘How do we do this to move forward to take the next step, and win a championship?’.”

Heat star Jimmy Butler's agent breaks the silence on Pat Riley's controversial press conference

Heat news: Jimmy Butler's agent reacts to Pat Riley's press conference - Bolavip US

NBA News: Jimmy Butler's agent reacts to Pat Riley's press conference

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> shocked the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> by winning Game 2 against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> in the first round of the playoffs. It was a massive victory without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier.



The Celtics are favorites to reach the Finals after an impressive 64-18 record in the regular season. However, head coach Erik Spoelstra is on another level when postseason arrives.



Although <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> has been out with a MCL sprain, he was very active on social media after his teammates delivered an extraordinary performance on the road. 



It’s important to remember that this is a ‘revenge’ matchup for the Boston Celtics as they were eliminated last year by Miami in a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240426_BUS_121724_jaylenbrown-1-1024x576_ddb8c809.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-121756" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jaylenbrown-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jaylenbrown-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jaylenbrown-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jaylenbrown-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jaylenbrown-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaylen Brown was trolled by Jimmy Butler (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jimmy Butler mocks Celtics and Jaylen Brown</h2>



After the Miami Heat took Game 2 of the series, Jimmy Butler went to his official Instagram account and remembered an episode which went viral last year thanks to Jaylen Brown. 







When the Celtics were down 0-3, and took Game 4 to stay alive, Brown made one of the most famous statements in recent playoff history: “Don’t let us get one.”


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In the end, Boston almost got the greatest comeback in NBA history but fell short in Game 7. Now, Butler couldn’t forget that and mocked Jaylen Brown after their unexpected loss.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="701" height="1024" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240426_BUS_121724_jimmybutlerinstagram-701x1024_216eff13.webp&amp;width=701&amp;height=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-121750" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jimmybutlerinstagram-701x1024.jpg 701w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jimmybutlerinstagram-205x300.jpg 205w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/jimmybutlerinstagram.jpg 717w" sizes="(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px"></figure><figcaption>Instagram / @jimmybutler</figcaption></figure>

Jimmy Butler mocks Celtics on Instagram

Draymond Green makes huge statement about future of Klay Thompson with Warriors

Steve Kerr compares Klay Thompson\&#039;s situation with Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls

Jimmy Butler mocks Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown - Bolavip US

Jimmy Butler takes a big shot at Boston Celtics

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> definitely is a one-of-a-kind player. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> star is known for delivering the best version of himself when it matters the most, turning up his level when the postseason gets closer. With the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> playoffs drawing nearer, the 34-year-old made it clear his team will be up to the task.



“We’re good, man. I just wanna get into the playoffs. That’s it. We get into the playoffs, then we and I can take care of a lot. But I think us as a group, we’re going to be just fine,” Butler told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.



Following a rather quiet level in the first half of the season, Butler is once again producing great numbers for the Heat, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Fans are starting to see what they call ‘Playoff Jimmy,’ with Butler explaining why he saves his best for this time of the year. 



“You just keep a couple things in your pocket all year long, and whenever you do it at a certain point of the year, they deem it something else like ‘Playoff Jimmy,&apos;” Butler said. “But it’s just me playing the long game throughout the season. I know that I’m really good at this game, and I know I could do a lot of things well on the basketball court. There are just times when you have to step it up a notch. You can’t show the opponent everything now. You have to always keep people guessing.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240302_BUS_108513_Jimmy-Butler-7-1024x576_0dbffc0d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC." class="wp-image-108515" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/Jimmy-Butler-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/Jimmy-Butler-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/Jimmy-Butler-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/Jimmy-Butler-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/Jimmy-Butler-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Butler, a perfect fit for the Heat chasing his first ring</h2>



The Marquette product forged a reputation for being a player who may not be in the MVP conversation throughout the season, but eventually brings his A-game when bigger things are at stake. That explains why he’s such a great fit for the trademark Heat Culture based on hard work, commitment and accountability.


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Before landing in South Florida in 2019, Butler spent time with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a>, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. But it’s in Miami where he found his place, perhaps because of the team’s culture and the way things are done within the organization.



Erik Spoelstra has been serving as Heat head coach since 2008, when he took over for Pat Riley, who led the franchise to its first championship in 2006 and continues to be the team president. But Butler’s arrival let Miami contend for the first time in the post-Big Three era.


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He’s the kind of player Spo and Riley needed to take the franchise back to the top, with the Heat making two NBA Finals and a Conference Finals appearance in the last four years. But of course, the goal remains to go the distance and win a championship.



“I’m just different,” Butler said. “I think this is when you’re supposed to be playing your best basketball and you have to find a way to get your team to win these games when you’re talking about the playoffs coming around. But even right now, you’re getting everybody into their roles. You’re getting in a rhythm. And with my music, I’m getting in my rhythm. Speaking for myself and everybody else in this locker room, we want to win. That’s our focus.”

Heat star Jimmy Butler issues strong warning to the rest of the NBA

Heat star Jimmy Butler sends warning to the rest of the NBA - Bolavip US

Heat star Jimmy Butler sends warning to the rest of the NBA

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>‘s victory against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday night was special for Erik Spoelstra’s team as it’s starting to improve its record this season. But for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> it had a special meaning as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> was also on the floor.



Following the Heat’s tight 108-107 victory, the 34-year-old shared his true feelings about having the opportunity to face the King on multiple occasions. Before moving to Miami, Butler already knew what it’s like to play against LeBron. They may have faced each other with different uniforms, but there’s something that never changed (apart from James’ talent): Butler’s respect. 



“I respect LeBron so much, arguably the greatest player of all-time. And I really enjoy going up against him all these years. No matter what uniform he was in, it was always a constant battle,” Butler said, via Zachary Weinberger of ClutchPoints. “I will say he’s gotten the best of me when it counts. But I think it’s a privilege to be able to play against him, to be able to guard him, just being able to compete and learn so much at the same time. But more often than not, just competing.”



Butler’s biggest showdown against LeBron came in the 2020 NBA Finals, when James’ Lakers beat the Heat 4-1 in the Orlando bubble. Many years later, Jimmy Buckets is still looking for a highly desired ring with Miami.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231108_BUS_83603_LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="LeBron James drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals" class="wp-image-83605" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/LeBron-James-and-Jimmy-Butler-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>LeBron James drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miami craving for first ring since LeBron’s exit</h2>



The Heat have managed to be competitive in the last few years, but they haven’t really succeeded since LeBron James left South Beach. In 2014, The King decided to go back to Cleveland after helping Miami win two rings in four years.


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James was part of the franchise’s golden years, forming a mighty Big Three next to Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010. The trio failed to go the distance in 2011, losing the Mavericks in the Finals, but they came back with back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.



LeBron and company came close to making it three in a row, but the San Antonio Spurs got the upper hand. James walked away after those Finals, and the Heat had to wait until 2020 to have such a deep playoff run again.



<h2>Butler looking for a highly desired championship with the Heat</h2>



Butler’s arrival in 2019 has allowed the Heat to have championship aspirations again. Except for a first-round exit to eventual champions Milwaukee Bucks, the team has constantly made deep playoff runs since then, with two trips to the NBA Finals and a loss in the Conference Finals.



Butler’s ability to put this team on his back became clear last year, when he carried the eight-seeded Heat to an unlikely Eastern Conference championship with epic triumphs against East powerhouses.


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However, Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets were simply too much for Miami, who seemed to lack another star to help Butler and Bam Adebayo. Damian Lillard was expected to fill in that hole this offseason, but the Blazers sent him to Milwaukee.



The Heat didn’t get off to a strong start this season, but they’re already trying to get back on track. With two straight wins under their belts, Butler and company are 3-4, so there’s still plenty of work to do. 



Other teams in the East seem to be in a stronger position to contend this year. But if there’s something that this Heat team has shown us, is that we should never write them off, regardless of how they perform in the regular season. As long as they make the playoffs, they should always have reasons to believe.

Jimmy Butler has nothing but respect for LeBron James

Jimmy Butler has nothing but respect for LeBron James - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals, it became clear the team needed to bring help for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a>. That’s why when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> submitted a trade request out of Portland, Pat Riley knew where to set his sights on.



Dame also saw South Florida as a great opportunity to succeed, and did everything he could to get there. But in the end, the Blazers decided to send Lillard to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, leaving the Heat without their coveted star. Of course, it was a gut-punch for Miami, after months of waiting to get the veteran guard. But for Lillard, the Bucks were still an attractive landing spot.



“We’ve always been in some form of contact with each other,” Lillard told Fox Sports. “And I said it, initially I was like, ‘I want to go to Miami.’ He was a big part of that. It didn’t happen. I’m here now. But our relationship will be the same. The same respect. It’s just something that didn’t happen. It was out of his control and mine.”



Needless to say, this move will change things for Butler and company. Instead of having a star addition to try and go the distance in 2024, they’ll have yet another powerful opponent in the East.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_79780_Jimmy-Butler-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jimmy Butler" class="wp-image-71432" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miami enters the new season without another star</h2>



When the Heat made the Finals last year, it looked pretty clear they had pieces to contend. However, their loss to the Denver Nuggets in five games also proved they needed something else to get the job done. Lillard seemed to be that missing piece, but it won’t be the case.


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Since trade negotiations with the Trade Blazers took so long, by the time the 33-year-old moved to Milwaukee, it was too late to chase another star. Besides, Miami didn’t look that interested in signing another player that wasn’t Lillard either.



Bradley Beal <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/not-only-damian-lillard-another-nba-star-wanted-to-be-traded-to-the-heat-20231023-BUS-79218.html">recently revealed</a> he was keen on joining the Heat this offseason, but the team didn’t want to absorb his monster salary. James Harden emerged as an alternative on the market, since he requested a trade out of Philadelphia. But the Heat never seemed really intrigued about The Beard either.



Lillard seemed to meet all the things Miami was looking for, which was experience, talent, hard work, and desire to succeed. But its compensation didn’t seem to be attractive enough for Portland. Besides, the Blazers seemed to have no intention of trading with the Heat to still be in control of the situation.



<h2>Lillard faces an interesting opportunity in Milwaukee</h2>



Things may have not gone as expected for Lillard, but the Bucks turn out to be a great landing spot for his championship aspirations. In Milwaukee, Dame could form a powerful duo with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_79780_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-69964" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo</figcaption></figure>



The Greek Freak had expressed his intention to continue winning rings in his career, suggesting he would leave the team if that’s what it took to succeed. The front office clearly took note of his message, getting the perfect partner to help Giannis get back to glory days.



Lillard, meanwhile, also sees this as his best opportunity to win a championship. “The depth is what makes me think this is my best chance to win. We’ve just got to be healthy. And we’ve got to be together.”


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The Milwaukee Bucks start the 2023-24 NBA season against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 26. From then on, both Lillard and Antetokounmpo will be under the microscope as their chemistry is one of the most intriguing topics heading into the season.

Damian Lillard reveals conversation with Jimmy Butler after Heat trade fell apart

Damian Lillard reveals conversation with Jimmy Butler after Heat trade fell apart - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> were linked with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> for months, and it looked like a matter of time before the Portland Trail Blazers would finally let the veteran guard go. But in the end, Pat Riley couldn’t get the star teammate for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a>.



In a shocking turn of events, the 33-year-old was sent to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, where he’s expected to have a run at his first NBA championship next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.



It certainly came out of the blue, as everyone understood Lillard had made it clear he only wanted to play for the Heat. Of course, everyone in South Beach is disappointed with this outcome, including Butler – but not for the obvious reason.



<h2>The hilarious reason Butler is upset with Lillard trade to Bucks</h2>



“I’m happy for both of those guys. I’m more pissed off that he went to Milwaukee, because he went to Adrian Griffin’s team, and everybody knows I don’t like Adrian Griffin at all since my Chicago days. But I’m happy for Milwaukee. They got better, so he gives us the opportunity to be better,” Butler tol reporters.



Far from showing any hard feelings, Butler answered in his classic hilarious style and gave an answer no one expected. Griffin was an assistant in Chicago and had a close relationship with Butler, so the Heat star was obviously joking. 



Either way, the 34-year-old is focused on his own team and doesn’t waste time in complaining about those who are not in their facility. The Heat have a job to do this year, and Butler made it clear he’s ready to go after the coveted ring again.


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<h2>Who plays the Heat at the start of the 2023-24 NBA season?</h2>



The Miami Heat’s first opponent in the 2023-24 NBA season will be the Detroit Pistons on October 25 at 7:30 PM (ET) at Kaseya Center.

The surprising reason Jimmy Butler is unhappy with Damian Lillard trade to Bucks

The surprising reason Jimmy Butler is unhappy with Damian Lillard trade to Bucks - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> went further than predicted last season when they made the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals as they 8th seed in the East. But in the end, it became crystal clear the team needed another star next to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> and Bam Adebayo to get to the promised land.



That’s why they were expected to make a blockbuster move this summer. Damian Lillard has been their priority target all these months, but the veteran guard <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/tyler-herro-takes-a-huge-shot-at-blazers-after-damian-lillard-trade-rumors-20231003-BUS-71742.html">ultimately got traded</a> to the Milwaukee Bucks.



In the wake of their failed pursuit of the former Portland Trail Blazers star, many started to wonder why Miami didn’t get another star before. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bradley-beal">Bradley Beal</a>, for instance, had been heavily linked with a move to South Beach. However, it looks like the Heat didn’t want to inherit his no-trade clause.



<h2>Heat overlooked Beal because of his no-trade clause</h2>



“Even though the Heat holds Bradley Beal in high regard, we hear one major reason the Heat didn’t pursue a Beal trade earlier this offseason was because it philosophically doesn’t like the idea of inheriting a no-trade clause,” Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald wrote. “Beal’s no-trade clause came with him to Phoenix.”



After 11 seasons with the Wizards, the 30-year-old was sent to Phoenix from Washington as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Indiana Pacers. Even though Beal made a name for himself in the capital city, his production wasn’t enough for Miami to commit to his astonishing contract that includes a no-trade clause.


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<h2>What’s Bradley Beal’s contract?</h2>



Bradley Beal is entering the second of a five-year, $251 million deal signed with the Wizards in 2022. Now, the Suns have to afford that contract.

NBA Rumors: The reason Heat didn't pursue Bradley Beal to help Jimmy Butler

NBA Rumors: The reason Heat didn't pursue Bradley Beal to help Jimmy Butler - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> swung for the fences and struck out again. They couldn’t get the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> to trade them <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard,</a> missing on yet another big-name player.



Despite their evident shortage of talent and Tyler Herro’s injury, the Heat made it to the NBA Finals last season. Now, their roster for next season is even thinner at some positions. 



Even so, Heat star<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Jimmy Butler </a>seems unbothered by the fact that his team didn’t get Lillard, as he recently stated that he’s going to be him and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> en route to a ring.



<h2>Jimmy Butler Says He’ll Beat The Bucks</h2>



“I’m happy for Dame to be somewhere where he’s wanted,” Butler said on NBA TV. “He has a chance to win a championship… I’m still going to be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title.”



The Bucks are obviously the team to beat in the Eastern Conference now, and it’s hard to think of any team that could take them down in a seven-game series with Lillard in town.


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But Erik Spoelstra’s team has always found a way to beat the odds and become competitive when the playoffs arrive, so we won’t be the ones placing our wagers against Butler and company.

Jimmy Butler breaks the silence on the Heat's failed pursuit of Damian Lillard

Jimmy Butler breaks the silence on the Heat's failed pursuit of Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

Damian Lillard&nbsp;supposedly had chosen the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a>&nbsp;as his next destination to play with&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Butler</a>. At first, the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail&nbsp;Blazers</a>&nbsp;shut down any calls for a trade, but, in the last few weeks, they were looking for the ideal package.



Lillard was under contract until the 2026-2027 season. In 2022, he signed that two-year extension worth $225 million. Nevertheless, there were many doubts about his future considering the&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;are still far away from being a contender.


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Now, the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/james-harden-confirms-shocking-decision-about-his-future-with-sixers-20230629-BUS-20340.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">final decision</a>&nbsp;has been made.&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a>&nbsp;wanted out of Portland with one team in mind:&nbsp;Miami. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks are his new team in a championship caliber roster alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.



<h2>Jimmy Butler accuses the Bucks of tampering after trade for Damian Lillard</h2>



During the last few months, it seemed like it was the Miami Heat or nothing for Damian Lillard. Even the NBA threatened the star with a suspension if he refused to play for the Portland Trail Blazers or any other team.







That’s why, when the report of Lillard’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks appeared on social media, Jimmy Butler couldn’t believe it. In fact, the leader of the Heat sent a very controversial message to the league. 


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“Yo NBA, man. Y’all need to look into the Bucks for tampering. Y’all do. I’m just going to put that out there. Y’all didn’t hear it from me but I heard it through somebody. I would look at that for tampering.”

The controversial message from Jimmy Butler following Damian Lillard's trade to the Bucks

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Jimmy Butler's incredible reaction after Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks - Bolavip US

Jimmy Butler's incredible reaction after Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks

Six years ago, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> tried to make a run at an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship by stacking up veteran stars. They got Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade next to Jimmy Butler, and the fans were excited.



Even though they were both seemingly in the backend of their primes, Rondo and Wade gave the team a big veteran boost. Nonetheless, they still fell in the first round of the playoffs.



Looking back, Rondo believes Wade’s and Butler’s attitude was the main reason why they couldn’t beat the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a>, as they ostracized themselves from the rest of the team.



<h2>Rondo Blames Butler And Wade For Bulls’ Shortcomings</h2>



“Chemistry, it wasn’t there. Like I mentioned earlier, Jimmy and D-Wade, they kind of were on their own. As far as I guess even in practice, even off the court,” Rondo said on the Old Man And The Three.



“Like again, every team is different, there’s nothing wrong with that,” he continued. “But there wasn’t really a connect between the old guys and the young. And that was why it was so much friction throughout the year.“


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Bulls’ young players seemed to agree, and it didn’t take long before the pair of stars left the Windy City. That’s not the kind of veteran leadership one would expect from players of their caliber, and they simply didn’t stand a chance to get past that.

Rajon Rondo blames Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler for 2017 Bulls failure

Rajon Rondo blames Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler for 2017 Bulls failure - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> once again proved why he’s one of the most beloved players in today’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> star put the team on his back last season, almost taking the franchise to a long-awaited championship.



The 33-year-old had his foot on the gas from the beginning of the playoffs and did not let up. Butler stepped up when it mattered the most, scoring crucial points to keep his team’s aspirations alive.



His fantastic performances drew comparisons with other Heat legends, as he looks destined to have his jersey retired in South Florida. But according to Andre Iguodala, Butler also reminds him of Kobe Bryant.



<h2>Andre Iguodala says Jimmy Butler’s mentality reminds him of Kobe Bryant</h2>



“You always look back and say ‘how is Jimmy getting it done?’ He can’t shoot threes, can’t go left. Whatever they say about Jimmy he figured it out,” Iguodala said on the Gil’s Arena podcast.



“I see him dribble with the right hand left and pull-up for three against Milwaukee this year. He’s probably the closest that I’ve seen to Kobe Bryant with that mentality of just man, Jimmy will figure out a way for us to win… This dude got a Kobe Bryant will.”


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Butler definitely has something special apart from his talent, and that’s his competitive nature. While any Kobe comparisons will always make noise, the Heat star certainly has a desire to win that makes those around him better.

Former NBA champion compares Jimmy Butler to Kobe Bryant

Former NBA champion compares Jimmy Butler to Kobe Bryant - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> is full of what-ifs. What if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> traded <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>? What if Kevin Garnett never left the Minnesota Timberwolves? What if Draymond Green didn’t get suspended?



No franchise has a perfect track record with this kind of thing. That’s why being a GM is so difficult, as every minor — or major — move you make could have huge implications.



That could’ve been the case when Danny Ainge almost convinced the Chicago Bulls to trade Jimmy Butler. However, to get him, he would’ve have to give up the picks that ended up being Jayson Tatum and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jaylen-brown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaylen Brown.</a>



<h2>Danny Ainge Almost Landed Jimmy Butler</h2>



“Some of the best trades I ever made were the ones I wasn’t able to make,” Ainge said on the Knuckleheads podcast. “You know like I was trying to get Jimmy Butler from Chicago when I was in Boston, but they wanted a lot. And so we didn’t do it.“



“It ended up, it would’ve been Jaylen and Jayson — Both those draft picks that we got Jaylen and Jayson with,” Ainge explained. “So, that was one where I loved Jimmy and was trying to get him. That was probably one.”


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As great as Butler is, I believe most Celtics fans would rather get two young stars instead of just one. At the end of the day, time proved Ainge was right to kill this deal.

The trade that almost sent Jimmy Butler to the Boston Celtics

The trade that almost sent Jimmy Butler to the Boston Celtics - Bolavip US

Trading for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> in 2019 was the best decision the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> made in a long time. The 6x <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> All-Star made the team competitive again, helping it reach two NBA Finals in four years.



His competitive nature and leadership skills made Butler a fan favorite in South Florida, where he hopes to win a highly desired championship. He came close in 2020 and 2023, but it’s still a pending task.



However, things could have been very different for both. Danny Ainge revealed in an interview with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles in the Players’ Tribune podcast Knuckleheads that he tried to get Butler for the Boston Celtics.



<h2>Former Celtics GM Danny Ainge reveals he tried to get Butler</h2>



“Some of the best trades I ever made were the ones I wasn’t able to make,” Ainge said, as quoted by ClutchPoints. “I was trying to get Jimmy Butler from Chicago when I was in Boston, but they wanted a lot. So we didn’t do it. And it ended up being Jaylen [Brown] and Jayson [Tatum]. Both of those draft picks.”


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It’s safe to say that both Heat fans and Butler are glad that this didn’t come to fruition, as they are perfectly happy together. The Celtics, however, found a way to grow with Brown and Tatum. Now they only need to go the distance and win a championship to silence the doubts.

NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler could have been traded to another team in the East

NBA: Jimmy Butler could have been traded to another team in the East - Bolavip US

The 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season is still a few months away from us, but many teams are already looking forward to dethroning the Nuggets. Jimmy Butler’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> and LeBron James’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, for instance, are teams to watch heading into next year.



The purple and gold have been aggressive this offseason, aiming to build on their trip to the Conference Finals to take a step forward next time. On the other hand, Miami also hopes to get the job done in 2024 after coming so close in June.



The Heat seem to be just another superstar away from winning the championship, which is why Pat Riley is working to get Damian Lillard on board. In the meantime, they have reportedly signed a former Laker.



<h2>Heat reportedly sign former Laker Cole Swider</h2>



According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Miami Heat are signing Cole Swider, who was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers in July after spending last season with them on a two-way contract.


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The 24-year-old only played 41 minutes for the purple and gold, but he had more playing time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, making 32 appearances. With Max Strus and Gabe Vincent gone, the Heat needed another shooter.

NBA Rumors: Butler's Heat sign former teammate of LeBron at Lakers - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler's Heat sign former teammate of LeBron James at Lakers

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Jimmy Butler - Page 19