Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Finally Settle $3M Dispute

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat quietly closed the book on last season’s financial fallout, agreeing to a $3 million settlement that splits the difference from the roughly $6 million in fines and withheld pay he accumulated while awaiting a trade. Butler appealed the penalties, one game was later rescinded, and the compromise — being finalized with the NBA — removes a major distraction from both sides after public tensions, suspensions and his eventual move to Golden State. Merlin sees the heart of the story in Butler’s own words: he wanted to get his "joy back from playing basketball" and said "Probably not" when asked if that could happen in Miami. The money may be settled, but the real question is fit and chemistry — Butler’s 31-point debut for the Warriors is a promising start, yet the true impact will show over months, not headlines.