In another break from the typical Q&A format, there was plenty of response in the mailbag and beyond from readers regarding Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors being eliminated from the playoffs, and the perspective that outcome added to the Heat’s trade.

So having offered the perspective from this standpoint in this piece, a sampling of the reaction that came from elsewhere:

– What happened to Playoff Jimmy? The reason I was open to trading Jimmy high after the Finals two years ago and last summer is because as the playoffs went on he seemed to lose steam. Jimmy never looked right this year with the Heat. He looks like he lost a step and never had the same lift he used to have. He looked like he was going through the motions, getting blown by on defense and deferring on offense. Did he lose a step or does he just not care about winning anymore? Maybe the Heat dodged the bullet of not having Jimmy anymore. – Kris, Oceanside, Calif.

–  Jimmy Butler averaged about 27 points per game in his last two postseasons with Miami. He dropped to averaging 19 in the playoffs this year. How ecstatic is Pat Riley that he didn’t commit $110 million to Playoff Jimmy over the next two seasons? – Rhonda, Fort Lauderdale.

– We don’t have to pay him $122 million dollars for the next two years, that is a huge win. – Ivan.

– He’ll realize just like the others on Heat culture in our system. We make players more valuable. When they leave our culture, they become a shell  of themselves. – Chad.

– Miami won. We got to test out Davion Mitchell, who proved he was a perfect fit and get to sign him to an extension. That is a win, to me. We can use Andrew Wiggins as a trade package, which will also help this be a win. They got a shell of Jimmy in return. – Jason.

– The Heat got good players and a pick for Jimmy. The Heat is one star player away from contending. – Abel.

– I stand with Pat Riley. He stood his ground and did not give in to an aging player. – Mason.

– $60 million a season to Butler would have been a huge loss. Riley did the right thing. He looked out for the Heat.– Beach.

– Losses have been cut for sure. – R.L.A.

–  Saying Pat should have traded Jimmy before the season is playing the result. Most players looking for a new contract play their hardest to maximize their value. My guess is Pat figured that is what Jimmy would do, not throw a tantrum. Blame Pat for assuming Butler would be rational, but not anything else. – Howard.

Â