Erik Spoelstra believes the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler “speak the same language.”

Butler is one of the fiercest competitors in the game, something the Heat as a franchise really value.

Spoelstra says he and president Pat Riley have always respected Butler from afar and are so excited to have the four-time All-Star in South Beach.

Article Continues Below
Related News
DeMar DeRozan photoshopped in Heat jersey.
Heat trade proposal for DeMar DeRozan in offseason amid Kings trade rumorsBailey Bassett ·
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center.
Heat rumors: Kings’ DeMar DeRozan still viewed as Miami offseason trade targetJake Faigus ·
Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr reveals what Erik Spoelstra told him about Jimmy ButlerTomer Azarly ·
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) looks to shoot in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
Bam Adebayo’s All-Defensive snub snaps 5-year Heat streakZachary Weinberger ·
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dribbles the basketball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center.
Could Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins be Lakers trade targets?Zachary Weinberger ·
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
Ranking 3 best Jrue Holiday trade destinations if Celtics make big changesBen Cooper ·

“We always respected him as a competitor when he was on other teams,” Spoelstra told Shandel Richardson of The Athletic. “At the end of the day, we feel like we speak the same language. He’s here for a reason and that’s to help us, with a new team, get to a higher level. And we feel that we’re here for him, to help him get to a higher level.

“The common thought from both sides was this is the kind of alignment that we’re looking for. It was the fit that matters to us. That’s the only thing that counts. I’ve been around long enough that when I say that, this league is about the right fit, the right timing, the right place for both player and organization.”

Jimmy Butler signed a four-year, $140.8 million contract with the Heat in July as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The swingman played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sixers last season.

Butler was reportedly blown away by all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Dwyane Wade’s last home game with the Heat in 2018-19. He told friends after the game that being able to see what Miami and the organization are about left an enormous impact on him.