Jimmy Butler was a revelation this 2019-20 NBA season and there is reason to believe that the club is bound for better things. Though they bowed to a powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers squad, it is clear that the South Beach club is headed in the right direction.

Butler gave it his all and undoubtedly elevated himself to the circle of certified NBA stars. Most have already seen this side of him with his past stints with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. With Miami, he established himself as the right franchise player that he club needs.

Speaking to Amico Hoops, Butler did not hide the fact that this disappointing loss can be chalked up to experience. But looking ahead, there is nothing better to do than to get better and bounce back next time around.

“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better,” Butler said. “We’re going to come back. We’re going to come back. We’ll be back. That’s what we’re all saying in that locker room. We got guys that want to do it. We got guys that already want to get back in the gym and get to working at this thing. That’s what we do here.”

   

Without a doubt, the Heat will be a team to watch next season. However, it remains to be seen who will be back and who will not. Two key players may not return - Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder.

On one end is Dragic. Though the Slovenian was someone that Pat Riley tried to deal away to make financial room, Dragic showed why he deserved to stay on. But the problem now shifts from money to age. Dragic is 34 and with rising stars like Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson rising to the occasion, the Slovenian may find himself falling down the pecking order.

Dragic could still return but end up with a lower contract and a short-term lease. If he should try the free-agent market, he could get something better but not that significant from what he is getting right now. Also, he does have an injury which will be a factor as well.

As for Crowder, he has better chances of returning unless coach Erik Spoelstra finds a better big man in free agency. The 30-year-old showed what he can do and he did say he would not mind coming back if the Heat still wants him back.