Jimmy Butler plays poker with suspended Ryan Garcia amidst rumors of Heat exit

The Miami Heat are rumored to be looking to trade their superstar.

Jimmy Butler plays poker with suspended Ryan Garcia amidst rumors of Heat exit

Superstar Jimmy Butler plays poker with suspended boxer Ryan Garcia

Jimmy Butler sure knows his way around with superstars and celebrities. The Miami Heat superstar has often been seen with the who’s who of the sporting world, mostly engaged in some activities. Rumors are growing by the day of Butler potentially leaving the Heat. Last night, however, all that did not seem to faze him as he was seen alongside suspended boxer Ryan Garcia at a poker game.

The Hustler Casino held a live poker game where they invited some big-name stars. Butler and Garcia were among them. Other well-known celebrities on the table were Dan Bilzerian and Brazilian soccer great Neymar. Butler was seated beside Garcia throughout the round. Both are currently not playing or performing in their respective sports.

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On the one hand, Jimmy Butler and his Miami Heat exited the playoffs early to newly crowned NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics. On the other side is Ryan Garcia, who received a year-long suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Despite all the drama surrounding their lives, the duo appeared chill during the poker game.

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It could be that a round of poker will take the noise surrounding both of them. Garcia has found himself in other troubles as he will likely face Devin Haney‘s lawyers. Meanwhile, rumors around Jimmy Butler continue as there is a possibility that last year’s Eastern Conference Final MVP could leave the Miami Heat after five seasons with the team.

Jimmy Butler is in a precarious position with the Miami Heat

In the event the Miami Heat do look for trade partners, the likelihood of Jimmy Butler going to a non-contender is low. After all, players can veto a trade if they feel the move will not benefit them. Butler wants to win that elusive NBA title. He knows staying with the Heat is the best situation for him. However, they need a player or two to take them over the top.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat look at Jimmy Butler as a soon-to-be 35-year-old with recent injury problems. His injury-led absence caused the Heat to exit the playoff early. Adding to the problem is that the playoff clutch performer wants a pay raise. That is where the Heat seem to want to draw a line.

Paying him more than his current average means they will find bringing another star difficult. The new NBA CBA might make it difficult for the Heat to sustain paying Butler and bringing in reinforcements. Therefore, all points suggest that it will be a long off-season for both Jimmy Butler and the Heat.

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