Miami (AFP)
The Miami Heat has extended Jimmy Butler's contract by four years, for an estimated overall salary of $ 184 million (EUR 156 million) until 2026, according to the player's agent quoted by sports channel ESPN.
Heat president Pat Riley announced the new contract on Saturday, calling Butler "the anchor and face" of the Florida NBA franchise, which had previously planned to give him $ 36 million (EUR 30 million) for the 2021-22 season.
"Jimmy is a complete player, he really deserves this new contract because he is constant at the top of the NBA in his position," added President Riley.
Butler, 31, has started in all 52 appearances he played last season for the Heat, with the best stats in the entire squad: 21.5 points per game, 7.1 assists and 6.9 rebounds, not to mention an 86.3% success in his free throws.
Arriving in Miami two years ago, Butler has already prompted the Heat to recruit his great friend Kyle Lowry, who will arrive from the Toronto Raptors as part of a trade with Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa.
© 2021 AFP