“Winter is here.” Remember that chilling line from Game of Thrones? Well, the NBA playoffs are basically the same vibe. One loss, and you’re one step closer to summer vacation. One win, and you live to fight another day. No second chances, no safety nets. While teams are grinding for a final push, the Miami Heat shocked everyone by parting ways with Jimmy Butler mid-season. They let go of their biggest star, the same guy who helped carry them through wars in the playoffs before. Who can forget his first season with the Heat? Jimmy Butler didn’t just make the playoffs—he dragged Miami all the way to the NBA Finals and set fire to every expectation along the way. And now that he is gone, Miami legends Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are stepping up with details that feel like straight locker-room tea.

In the latest episode of The WY Network, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem sat down to talk about the Heat’s playoff chances and where they stand. And while discussing all this, they stumbled upon the decision to let go of Jimmy Butler and the potential threat from him.

Udonis Haslem got real about guarding top scorers and explained why Jimmy Butler stands out from every offensive player he’s faced. “I played defense on you,” he told Dwyane Wade. “I played defence on Bron(Lebron james), I played defence on Iso Joe( Joe Johnson). Everybody is different” But when it came to Jimmy? Udonis didn’t hold back: “Jimmy is probably the smartest offensive player I’ve ever had.” Wade couldn’t argue. He nodded and agreed, saying, “Right, very smart.” And that’s exactly what makes Jimmy a unique kind of threat. So here’s the big question: if Jimmy had that kind of brilliance, why did Miami let him walk in the first place?

Wade continued about Jimmy by saying, “Jimmy did what we all love Jimmy to do.” Wade continued, “Jimmy has a certain unique skill and talent that you just can’t see by the naked eye”. Well, he is not wrong. And honestly? He’s not wrong. Jimmy was the heartbeat of Miami’s Finals runs in both 2020 and 2023. He carried that squad on his back, took big shots, and gave Miami the edge when no one believed they’d make it. So yeah, hearing all that and then realizing Jimmy’s now with the Warriors? It definitely makes the whole situation feel deeper.

But here’s the twist: despite all the praise, Jimmy’s last game against Miami didn’t exactly scream “potential threat.” It was Butler’s first time facing the Heat since joining Golden State on February 6, and it didn’t go as expected. The 35-year-old managed just 11 points in the Warriors’ 112-86 loss, a rare off night for someone of his caliber. It marked one of Butler’s lowest-scoring performances in 20 games with the team, and yeah, it felt out of character. So while Wade and Haslem hyped up Jimmy’s brilliance, this game didn’t really back up that “dangerous” narrative they painted.

So what do you think? Will Jimmy actually become a real threat to Miami in future matchups, or was Wade just speaking from concern? Was it a warning based on what Jimmy could do, or simply respect for a guy who once led their Finals charge? Because if that last game was any clue, Miami might sleep just fine. But with Jimmy, you never really know. Guess we’ll have to wait and watch. The Heat might’ve dodged a bullet, for now.

Dwyane Wade drops verbal Alley-Oop to Heat after record-breaking flex

The Miami Heat punched their ticket to the NBA Playoffs Friday night with a wild 123-114 overtime win over the Atlanta Hawks. This wasn’t that typical clean-cut victory. The Heat nearly fumbled a 17-point lead and let Trae Young tie it with 1.6 seconds. Still, history was made. Miami became the first No. 10 seed to reach the playoffs since the NBA introduced the Play-In Tournament.

It was messy, chaotic, and kind of on-brand for the Heat this season, but somehow, they got the job done when it counted. While fans had plenty to stress about, Heat legend Dwyane Wade focused on the positives and gave major props to two stars. “HERRO!!!! MITCHELL!!! Straight hooping,” Dwyane Wade wrote, shouting out Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell for carrying Miami down the stretch. Herro especially stood out. But this wasn’t the first time he caught Wade’s eye or earned praise from the Hall of Famer.

Back in February, when Herro got his All-Star nod, Wade went public, urging fans and media to give him proper credit. “I hope the media starts talking about Tyler Herro being an All-Star,” Wade said. “I’m proud of him. Happy for the young man.” Now, with the postseason heating up and Miami back in the mix, Herro looks ready to prove Wade right all over again.