The Miami Heat’s Christmas Day celebration was short-lived, as ESPN senior insider Shams Charania reports that Jimmy Butler “prefers” to be moved ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Breaking: Six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, league sources told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/GpAI2BM9rf
— ESPN (@espn) December 25, 2024
Charania clarifies that the six-time All-Star “has not formally requested a trade… but is believed to be ready for his exit.”
Jimmy Butler Pushing For Trade, Heat Shouldn’t Resist
The vultures have been circling the wagon for months, wondering whether Butler would sign a contract extension with Miami. For a time, it seemed as if cooler heads might prevail, as long as the 35-year-old could stay healthy. However, Charania reports that teams “have been informed that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July…”
Notably, the Brooklyn Nets were singled out as a potential free agent destination for Butler months ago. They’re projected to have more than enough cap space next offseason to sign the wily veteran to a maximum contract. Furthermore, Brooklyn has been swinging for the fences since being relocated, acquiring several star players.
Still, the Nets don’t seem very interested in a quick fix, which could throw a wrench in Butler’s mechanisms. With that in mind, a trade sounds like the more realistic route. If so, Charania has reported that he’s “open to trade destinations such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets…”
Of those teams, the rising Rockets seem to be the least likely option unless they can acquire him without splitting up their young core. On the other side of the spectrum, the Golden State Warriors seem particularly motivated to trade for Butler. The undeniable schism between Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and 2021 No. 7 pick Jonathan Kuminga only increases the probability that Golden State makes a trade for him.
However, the momentum points towards the Phoenix Suns.
Like A Phoenix Arose From The Ashes…
A Christmas Eve report from Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic suggests that Phoenix is considering breaking up their Big 3 for Butler.
If so, Bradley Beal is expected to be the odd man out. Though Beal has to waive his no-trade clause, it’s not much of an obstacle. When Beal originally requested to be traded by the Washington Wizards, the Heat were on his shortlist. Instead, the Suns scooped him up then asked him to play in roles that he wasn’t comfortable with.
If he lands in Miami, Tyler Herro can remain the team’s primary facilitator, allowing Beal to be the off-guard. Beal is also likely be empowered to score far more than he has been in Phoenix. As Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic are both starting-caliber small forwards, the Heat’s offense should run smoothly.
Meanwhile, Butler gives the Suns the defensive upgrade they sorely need on the perimeter. As a defensive-minded two-way playmaker, Butler is also a more natural fit alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Making such a big change could still backfire, no matter how it looks on paper. Nonetheless, with Durant on the clock, Phoenix has no time to waste.
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