Jimmy Butler may be primarily a basketball aficionado, but he is an avid enthusiast of other sports as well. The Miami Heat star is often seen following European sports tournaments and leagues when he’s free from his basketball duties. In fact, his interest in football gave rise to his close friendship with Neymar Jr. Apart from the beautiful game, Butler also keeps track of the happenings in the Tennis world. Fulfilling his promise of making a 4,426-mile journey to Wimbledon from Miami, the NBA 2023 Finalist was recently seen supporting his dear friend and current World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. However, 15 months before showering the Spaniard with love, the Marquette alum welcomed another World No. 1 to a Miami Heat game.
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Posting a clip from Alcaraz’s Round of 16 win against Matteo Berrettini, Jimmy Butler stated that he’d be present in Wimbledon to witness the World No. 1 play live. The 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP did show up for the Alcaraz-Holger Rune clash, sitting in the Spanish youngster’s box. Butler was treated to a three-set thriller, with Carlos winning the battle in straight sets, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4. However, this wasn’t the only time that the 6-foot-7 star has been in the presence of a World No.1 player.
Jimmy Butler once welcomed Iga Swiatek to a Miami Heat contest
After winning the 2022 Miami Open, Iga Swiatek decided to take advantage of her trip to the United States of America. Taking some time off, the World No.1 Tennis star visited the then-American Airlines Center to catch a Miami Heat game.
Prior to tip-off, the Polish youngster met with Butler and was even given a customised jersey. Take a look at espntenis’ Instagram post.
Swiatek’s first-ever Heat game resulted in Erik Spoelstra’s boys grabbing a huge 144-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets. This year as well, after withdrawing from the 2023 Miami Open, Iga was present at the Kaseya Center for a Miami Heat game.
Similar to her previous visit, Iga’s presence was beneficial for Jimmy Butler and co. In an action-packed contest, the Florida side defeated the New York Knicks 127-120.
The Miami Heat are the frontrunners to acquire Damian Lillard
Even before Damian Lillard publicly asked for a trade, the Miami Heat were strongly linked with the Trail Blazers star. Now, with Lillard wanting out, the Heat are expected to add the 6-foot-2 star Guard to the lineup. The All-Star trio of Dame, Butler, and Bam Adebayo will give rise to a new powerhouse, capable of contending for the title, if the trade goes through.
However, the Heat is yet to swing the negotiations in their favor. Over the last two weeks, the franchise has added Thomas Bryant, Josh Richardson, and the new draftees to the squad.
