Miami Heat star Tyler Herro took a jab at former teammate Jimmy Butler.
Tyler Herro kicked off his Miami Heat media day by taking a shot at his former All-Star teammate, Jimmy Butler.
Butler forced an exit from the Miami Heat last season after a fallout with president Pat Riley, tied to the contract extension he wanted, and did not get.
Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors after saying he had ‘lost his joy’ with the Miami Heat.
Tyler Herro becomes extension eligible in October, and it is unclear what kind of deal he may be offered.
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesWhat Tyler Herro said about Jimmy Butler
Tyler Herro spoke to veteran Miami Heat reporter Ira Winderman to discuss his forthcoming contract situation.
Herro is coming off a majorly disappointing playoffs in 2025 despite an impressive regular season, and has picked up an injury before this season’s tip-off.
Amid the uncertainty over what kind of contract offer he may receive from the Heat, Herro promised not to ‘lose his joy’ if he does not get what he wants.
It was a clear jab at Butler’s previous comments, even if it was said in jest.
Herro said: “I expect to get something done. I’m not going to lose my joy, I ain’t going to lose my joy… it’s not that important to me.
“Being here is important but being here at a respectable number. I have a number in mind as I did on last contract extension.
“That’s why I didn’t accept the max because I wasn’t pressed on it, and I’m not pressed now.”
Miami Heat fans respond
Miami Heat fans have complicated feelings towards Jimmy Butler due to the fractious nature of his exit, and how it totally overshadowed the team’s 2024-25 season.
Despite this, Butler gave a lot to the franchise, leading them to the 2020 and 2023 NBA Finals.
Some fans were amused to see Herro take a dig at his former Miami teammate.
“I’m not going to lose my Joy” lol. I see what he did,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Love that quote Tyler hahahahahaha”.
And a third showed disdain towards Butler, posting: “W making fun of the diva quitter.”
Another thoughtful fan posted: “I think it’s underestimated what a distraction Jimmy was all last year.”
Others took issue with Herro’s comments, pointing out that they were out of line.
One wrote: “Don’t forget where you were when Jimmy was willing this team to the Finals. Same place you are now. I hate how Jimmy ended things with us, but doing the shots at him is bs.”
A second added: “It’s well documented when things soured between Jimmy and the front office but I’d love to hear one day when things started going bad with his teammates because that relationship is evidently not great.”
Another fan felt Herro lacked the credentials to take a dig at Butler, posting: “Oh brother.. at least take us further in the playoffs if you still taking shots at the man that took you to 2 finals”.
While another wondered why he cannot move on, posting: “Why he still throwing shots at Jimmy 7 months later since the trade?”.