Miami Heat: 5 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 NBA season

1. The addition of Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler joined the Heat at the start of free agency via a sign-and-trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Heat sent 25-year-old wing Josh Richardson to Philly and brought in the four-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive second team member.

To make things even better, Miami only had to give up one player to acquire Butler. Although Richardson is younger and on a much more manageable contract, Butler gives the team a better chance to win now.

Butler can benefit the team in several ways. He’s a go-to player in close games. He’ll draw defenses away from shooters and has the awareness to find the open ones. His defense adds to an already strong defensive unit.

Butler also doesn’t shy away when the postseason comes around. He had plenty of big performances in last year’s playoffs, including a 30 points, 11 rebounds and five assists performance against the eventual champion Toronto Raptors.

Butler was one of 16 players to average 18 points, five rebounds and four assists last season. Of that group, he ranked fourth in total steals and ninth in win shares despite being 14th in minutes played.

Butler does, however, come with some baggage. The Heat will be Butler’s third team in two years. He demanded to join the Heat after having a seemingly perfect situation in Philadelphia, with two young All-Stars that dominated both ways.

Despite the Sixers’ talented youngsters, Jimmy Buckets wanted to go to Miami. He even turned down a contract from the Sixers that had an extra year than his current contract does.

Butler’s decision was viewed as bizarre by the basketball world. He had talented teammates and an organization that wanted him there, and he scorned them.

Although Butler’s desire to win and desires are unclear, it’s clear that he’s a baller. He’s a top-notch defender and skilled scorer. He’s the type of player that can lead Miami back into the playoffs.