Scoop: Butler to lose place in famed Heat mural after trade to Warriors
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Jimmy Butler's mural in Wynwood will be replaced. Photo: Courtesy of Kyle Holbrook
Jimmy Butler's dramatic departure from Miami won't leave a void just on the Heat roster.
- His 50-foot-tall mural in Wynwood will be painted over, too, artist Kyle Holbrook tells Axios.
Why it matters: The Heat team mural at 3550 NW Fifth Ave. — an unofficial Miami landmark — has become an ever-evolving reflection of how Heat fans have felt during Butler's messy divorce from the team.
Catch up quick: Holbrook, a Heat superfan who started the graffiti wall in 2020, tweaked Butler's depiction last month after the disgruntled star demanded a trade amid a contract dispute.
- "I quit," he wrote on Butler's headband. A sticker on his jersey said "Clearance Trade!" The Big Face Coffee mug in his hand was stuffed with cash.
What they're saying: Holbrook said he wanted to express what Heat fans across Miami were feeling. "I felt I had to be that voice."
- After a while, he changed "I quit" to "No comment," a reference to Butler's remarks after returning from his first suspension.
- "I was thinking maybe they'd work it out" and Butler would stay in Miami, Holbrook said.
The latest: Once Butler got traded, his mural privileges were revoked — for now. (Guard Josh Richardson — shipped out as part of the Butler deal — also has to go, but no hard feelings there.)
- The mural is reserved for active Heat players and retired greats like Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning.
- When Butler retires, he can get a spot on the wall again, Holbrook said.
- "It's the Heat mural. He's not on [the team] now so he has to go."
What's next: Holbrook said he needs to discuss the mural's future with Louis Wolfson III, who owns the building, but he wants to replace Butler by March 25, when the Warriors play the Heat in Miami.
- He is considering subbing in about four new players — perhaps the Heat's rookies or their new trade acquisitions — symbolic of the real-life talent Butler brought to Miami.
The intrigue: How will Heat fans greet Butler in his return? "I think it'll be a boo at first," Holbrook said.
The bottom line: Holbrook said he appreciates what Butler did for Miami and considers him one of the best players in Heat history.
- But don't expect a "Thank you, Jimmy" addition to the wall anytime soon.
- "I'm not ready."