Farewell, Jimmy Butler— I Will Always Love You

I don’t even know where to begin. I’m heartbroken. I’m angry. I’m at a complete loss for words—except to say that Pat Riley should be arrested for treason.

I get it. The Miami Heat had no leverage in this situation. But Andrew Wiggins and P.J. Tucker for Jimmy Butler? That’s the return for the heart and soul of this franchise? I know some people will say, “At least you got something,” but it should have never come to this. Jimmy Butler was meant to be a Heat lifer. He was supposed to retire in South Beach, his legacy cemented in the rafters of Kaseya Center. Instead, stubborn old Pat Riley ran him out of the building. And let’s be real—it’s not the first time he’s done this. He pulled the same nonsense with LeBron James!

All Pat had to do was get Jimmy some help. That’s it. The man carried this franchise to four straight Eastern Conference Finals practically by himself. He gave everything he had, every single night, willing the team to victories that never should have been possible. And what did Pat do in return? He handed him another batch of undrafted free agents and expected miracles. Instead of making the big moves, instead of giving Jimmy the support he desperately needed, Pat chose to play it safe.

And now, we’ve lost one of the greatest players to ever wear a Miami Heat jersey.

Jimmy Butler wasn’t just a superstar—he was the embodiment of Heat culture. He was toughness, grit, and an unrelenting drive to win. He played through injuries, never made excuses, and always showed up when it mattered most. And most importantly? He beat Boston. He humbled them. He made sure they knew who the real beast of the East was.

This isn’t just about basketball for me. Jimmy Butler changed my life. Because of him, I got my job. Because of him, I’ve experienced some of the greatest moments of my life as a fan. He brought joy, hope, and an undeniable swagger to this city. He made Miami believe.

I’ll never forget what he did for us. I’ll never forget the impossible shots, the clutch performances, the nights where he put the entire team on his back and refused to lose. I’ll never forget how he carried us through the bubble, how he dragged a battered squad to the Finals again in 2023, or how he outplayed the so-called best players in the league time and time again.

Pat Riley should be ashamed. I’ll never forgive him for this.

As for Jimmy… I will always love you. You gave everything to this city. You never backed down. You never folded. 

You were Heat culture, through and through.

And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Love you forever, Jimmy.