Many of those regular-season losses came after the Heat traded the disgruntled Butler to the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 6. Miami closed the regular season with a poor 12-21 following the move that brought Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Kyle Anderson and the 2025 Warriors first-round pick (No. 20 overall) to the Heat.

The Heat were by no means a top contender in the East when Butler was traded, but without their star they struggled to win games. Miami's struggles were on full display in its first-round matchup with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the Miami Heat's rollercoaster of a season coming to a close, the team did their optional exit interviews Wednesday. Coach Erik Spoelstra was asked about