Joel Steele: Getting Good Returns Not So Easy Any More

Q: Are the Heat not entitled to what they contracted for, Jimmy Butler’s best efforts through the balance of the season (unless a worthwhile trade is available that they want to execute)? That is the deal Jimmy made. If he refuses to keep his word, can’t the Heat terminate him for cause, void his contract, and refuse to pay him?

I hope readers take note of President Biden fulfilling his commitments. He visited New Orleans, site of a horrific crime, where he met with survivors’ families. He consulted with California officials to make sure all possible assistance is available to fight wildfires destroying lives, homes and businesses. On Jan. 9, he gave the eulogy for the 39th president, Jimmy Carter. On his last day in office, he will work to assure a peaceful transition of power by attending the inauguration of Donald Trump (something Trump did not do for Biden). Compare this to, say, our well-paid South Florida athletes.

Today is Sunday, Jan. 12, the 12th day of 2025. There are 353 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that the Haitian government estimated killed some 300,000 people. Also on this date: In 1915, the U. S. House of Representatives rejected, 204-174, a proposed constitutional amendment to give women nationwide the right to vote. Related Articles National News | America’s 250th birthday prompts rethinking of historical markers National News | Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned after submitting his Trump report, Justice Department says National News | After switching parties, state Rep.

Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s 119-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers: – What now, Joe Cronin? – With each Heat trip to Portland come the questions of what might have been had the Trail Blazers and their general manager taken Heat calls when Damian Lillard said in the 2023 offseason he wanted to be dealt to the Heat. – Instead, Cronin ghosted Pat Riley and wound up dealing with the Bucks, Suns and Celtics. – At the time, the Blazers saw no need for Tyler Herro since they had Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson. – Now there is little doubt about how Herro stacks up (although Simons did have his moments in Saturday’s third period). – As for the rest of the Blazers’ haul?

PORTLAND, Ore. – Heat coach Erik Spoelstra got what he wanted, practically forecasting the evening ahead. “We’ve faced a good amount of adversity on this road trip,” he said at the morning shootaround. “I mean that’s great for a basketball team to go through all those emotions.” Saturday night, more emotions, while still finding a way to a 119-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Continuing to play amid the team suspension of Jimmy Butler, having left for this six-game trip after a 36-point home loss to the Utah Jazz, and then having lost a double-overtime game against the Sacramento Kings to start the trip, the Heat now have won three in a row. Again, doing it the hard way. This time, after a 20-point lead late in the second quarter almost completely evaporated at the start of the third, the Heat came together to improve to 3-1 on the trip and 20-17 on the season. Guard Tyler Herro again led the way, this time with 32 points, with the Heat also getting 21 points from Nikola Jovic and 14 from Haywood Highsmith.

General Daily Insight for January 12, 2025 Don’t let rash words burn bridges! With the sensitive Moon at odds with talkative Mercury, we may find ourselves wounding one another with words that emerge harsher than we meant. Whether we’re on the giving or receiving ends of these words, bold Mars soothing creative Neptune at 4:16 pm EST is encouraging us to overcome any awkwardness or hurt to find understanding with each other.