The Miami Heat are loaded with talent of all ages, but two of the most established players are nearing the end of their careers.
With retirement looming for Jimmy Butler and even closer for Kevin Love, Hall of Fame talk is also emerging. Basketball Reference Lists Butler has a 72.98% chance of succeeding while Love is slightly higher at 73.47%.
Love signed a two-year, $8 million contract to return to the Heat this summer, a deal that will likely follow his retirement. He’s expected to continue to make solid contributions, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds on 44 percent shooting last year.
The Heat selected Indiana big man Kel’el Ware in the NBA draft, which allowed Love to become his mentor. Ware will also learn from three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo, who is entering his prime.
Butler, who is entering a contract year, appears to have some time left in his career. He is expected to be in the hunt for a max deal next summer, either with the Heat or elsewhere. The 34-year-old is dealing with health issues, meaning retirement could be on the cards sooner than expected.
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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer for Miami Heat On SI. You can contact him at [email protected] or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.
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