Bam Adebayo Fuels Speculation on Jimmy Butler's Jersey Retirement With Heat

Bam Adebayo may have just reopened an old wound in Miami. The Heat star reposted an Instagram graphic predicting which active NBA players will eventually have their jerseys retired, and one name immediately stood out: Jimmy Butler. The post claimed Miami will one day hang Butler’s No. 22 in the rafters, a prediction that could seriously divide Heat fans after the way his tenure ended.

Now playing for the Golden State Warriors, many could argue that Butler is one of the top players to have stepped foot in the NBA. However, many might not see it in the same light, especially the Heat.

According to Ethan Skonlick of Five Reasons Sports, Butler's jersey number isn't likely to be retired for as long as the majority of Miami's front office remains in charge.

Back in 2025, Butler had a messy exit from the Heat. Prior to his departure, Jimmy demanded a two-year, $111 million extension; however, the Heat refused to grant him his request. Their reasoning was that Butler was aging and was already injury-prone at the time. Investing in a player who couldn't play consistently didn't make sense to the Heat.

Because both parties couldn't come to an agreement, Butler reportedly disconnected from the team despite still being part of the roster. Butler openly admitted that he was no longer happy playing in Miami, and the organization's refusal to pay him was the nail in the coffin for him.

Ultimately, the Heat no longer had control over the situation and were forced to let go of Jimmy via a trade to the Warriors. Despite Heat president Pat Riley reportedly pleading with Butler to stay, the star forward wasn't having it and wanted to move on from his "toxic" workplace.

Given the circumstances, it's unlikely that the Heat's current front office will honor his contributions, especially with the way Butler made his exit from the team.

NBA Insider Provides Update on Jimmy Butler's Return

We are rapidly approaching the start of the 2026-27 season, and Golden State Warriors fans are curious to know if Jimmy Butler will be making his return anytime soon. Butler previously suffered a torn right ACL in January. This forced him to immediately sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Thankfully, Butler had a successful reconstructive surgery in February. The question now is: will he make it on time for the upcoming season?

NBA insider Anthony Slater recently provided an update on Butler's injury status on NBA Today.

"Well, I know (Jimmy Butler) is having a good time. He just spent his birthday in Brazil," Slater said. "He's had a good summer. As far as the rehab goes, he's very much in the middle months and middle stages of long ACL rehab. I've heard good updates on his progress and the strengthening of his knee. But he's still months away from being on an NBA court."

As of this writing, there aren't any updates regarding whether Butler will be able to make his return in the middle of the upcoming season.