NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Almost Un-Retired Number For Current Star

Despite never playing a game for the Miami Heat, President Pat Riley decided to retire the No. 23 in honour of Michael Jordan when he retired from the game of basketball, and when a number is retired in the NBA, it's very rare to see that change.

However, when the team landed superstar Jimmy Butler, Riley offered to do just that according to Butler himself, but out of respect, one of the best playoff performers in NBA history turned down the offer, opting for No. 22 instead. 

"You can't wear 23 here because of MJ. Literally, Pat Riley retired it… Whenever I did come here, Pat told me that I could wear 23 but I said no. So 22 it is."

Jimmy Butler on his jersey number for the Heat

(via @JimmyButler/ IG)pic.twitter.com/WTsXd0KW6G

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 14, 2023

While it would have been great to see Butler, or any star for the Heat don the famous No. 23 once again, it was clear the respect that he had for arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time, and if Jimmy didn't want to use it, it's highly doubtful that any Heat player will do so anytime soon. 

Photo Credit:  Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports