As a member of the Bulls, Butler declared he was betting on himself, declining a four-year extension in the $40 million range to test restricted free agency. That risky move paid off. He won the Most Improved Player award and signed a maximum deal for $90 million.

A once prosperous relationship has deteriorated. Jimmy Butler and the Heat will be relieved when the split is official.

Many fans and pundits feel the Jimmy Butler saga is directly related to his relationship with team president Pat Riley. One former NBA player, however, feels Butler's real beef is with coach Erik Spoelstra.