MIAMI — This moment was inevitable, whether it came during the play-in, playoffs or the offseason.

At some point, it felt as if the Heat would have to make a decision on Jimmy Butler.

Then, Wednesday night in Philadelphia, came the crashing and crushing reality.

And, so, a crossroads, the intersection of the franchise revival and older and injured.

No, not necessarily an inflection point, with two more seasons remaining on Butler’s contract, but a point when you take stock after an uneven, absence-filled season.

At 34, Jimmy Butler on his best days arguably is still as impactful as any two-way player in the league. But, at 34, there haven’t been as many best days.

Perhaps a productive playoff run would have altered the perspective, but then came the MCL sprain that sidelined Butler from Friday night’s play-in game against the Chicago Bulls.

Already there has been an attempt to placate, to add a veteran of choice to augment. Such was the Kyle Lowry experience. It was an uneven ride that led to an exit ramp this season with Lowry, even as he now plays on with the 76ers in the playoffs.

There also has been the approach of surrounding with youth, which has worked well with those still in their formative years, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic willing to accede, play as subordinates. Butler has been a positive for their growth.

But then comes the time when the youth seeks to do more, be more. That is where Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro stand now. The Butler-Adebayo chemistry has never quite had the flourish that Adebayo has created with others.

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