It didn’t take long for NBA Twitter to start trolling the Miami Heat. As Jimmy Butler flourishes with the Golden State Warriors, Heat fans are left wondering what could have been.

Butler’s impact with the Warriors has been immediate. His signature two-way play, leadership, and clutch performances have seamlessly meshed with Golden State’s winning culture, helping them push for another deep playoff run. While the Warriors fan base is celebrating their new star, Heat fans are dealing with the harsh reality of losing the face of their franchise.

The Internet Reacts: Heat Fans Trolled

Social media has not been kind to the Heat organization. Fans and analysts have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to clown Miami for failing to retain Butler, who was their heart and soul for years. Some have criticized the Heat’s front office for their inability to surround Butler with enough talent, while others have pointed out the irony of Butler thriving in another system after years of carrying Miami on his back.

One viral post read: “Pat Riley really fumbled the bag. Jimmy was dragging that roster for years, and they still refused to get him help.” Another tweet mocked Miami’s current situation: “The Heat got a whole lot of ‘culture’ but no Jimmy Butler. Good luck with that.”

Miami’s Post-Butler Era: What’s Next?

Losing Butler has undoubtedly left a void, and the Heat now face tough questions about their future. With Bam Adebayo as their cornerstone and a mix of young talent like Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami will need to figure out how to remain competitive in an Eastern Conference that’s only getting stronger.

However, Butler’s success with Golden State has only added salt to the wound. Seeing him thrive on a championship-contending team reinforces the belief that Miami may have wasted his prime years without securing another star to help him win.

Lessons from the Butler Era

The Heat’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for teams banking on “culture” alone. Butler gave Miami multiple deep playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance, despite an aging roster and inconsistent offensive support. Yet, when it came time to take the next step, Miami failed to deliver.

Now, as Butler continues to shine with Stephen Curry and the Warriors, Heat fans can only watch and wonder what might have been had Miami been more aggressive in roster-building.

This article is based on original reporting from Sports Illustrated.