Amid a sluggish 12-10 start, the Miami Heat have made All-Star forward Jimmy Butler available in trade talks, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania. Butler doesn’t quite have a say in where he eventually lands. However, the fiery 35-year-old “is believed to prefer a win-now contender.”
The Heat are open to listening to offers for Jimmy Butler, league sources told ESPN, and the six-time All-Star is believed to prefer a win-now contender in any trade. https://t.co/ifbfJY7ZPw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Of note, the Golden State Warriors are rumored to have interest in Butler. In fact, after Butler’s contractual dispute with the Heat became public knowledge, they were one of the teams linked to him in a potential sign-and-trade agreement. Because of his limitations as an outside shooter, his fit seems funky though.
If Andrew Wiggins wasn’t knocking down nearly 43 percent of his threes this season, it might work. If Jonathan Kuminga didn’t consistently flash his upside as a two-way player and future franchise cornerstone, they might have been willing to move him for Butler. Yet, that’s indeed the Warriors’ reality.
Unless Miami doesn’t mind being part of a lopsided trade, it’s not the best move for them. With that being said, there are several contenders that are feasible trade destinations for Butler.
Which Contenders Could Heat Up Jimmy Butler Trade?
Houston Rockets
Another organization that’s been linked to Butler is the Houston Rockets.
He grew up just outside of the city, in Tomball. His disposition and defensive play mesh well with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s coaching style and philosophy. Furthermore, they still look like they’re one or two pieces away from solidifying themselves as a perennial contender.
Though they claim to have no desire to break up their core this season, they may be willing to move Jalen Green in a deal for Butler due to his uneven performances. However, Fred VanVleet is another trade candidate for the Heat as they look to stabilize their point guard position.
Los Angeles Lakers
With the Los Angeles Lakers floundering after a hot start, Butler is an intriguing trade acquisition.
He helps take the pressure off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis at both ends. In fact, he raises the team’s ceiling because of his confidence as a scorer and efficacy as an on-ball defender. There are going to be concerns about his ability to knock down threes, even the open ones he’s sure to get. However, as James continues to dodge Father Time, having another go-to guy may be more important than his abilities off-ball.
The Lakers’ familiar trade package of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and at least one first-round pick could get the deal done. Russell helps Miami shore up their point guard position. Hachimura is an able replacement for Butler but with plenty more room to grow.
Offseason Additions
Because of the restrictions imposed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are a couple of contenders who may have interest in Butler, but can’t legally trade for him as they’re a second apron team.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ experiment with Julius Randle has been a roller coaster. To be honest, it’s still unclear whether it’ll ultimately work out for the Timberwolves, but there have undoubtedly been big hiccups. To smooth out their roster, they could opt to move Randle for Butler.
Butler doesn’t shoot the ball any better than Randle from beyond the arc. However, he’s nowhere near as porous a defender, which is key. Though Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is known for his offense, Minnesota rose to the top of the West with their defense last season. Butler could help them return to their ways while still being able to do some heavy lifting on offense.
For the Heat, Randle could be a rental, but he’ll definitely be on a tryout. One area where he’ll certainly help Miami is putting points on the board, which they constantly struggle with. His activity on the boards could also come in handy.
Phoenix Suns
Last but not least, Butler could make his way to the Phoenix Suns, whose ineptitude without Kevin Durant is a bit concerning.
Trading for Butler would probably require the Suns to move Bradley Beal. With that being said, Beal has played well in Phoenix. Yet, he’s always been the black sheep in their Big 3. Though he’s used to being a go-to scorer, he had never teamed up two perimeter players who were superior in that area. In Miami, he might still be part of a Big 3, but take on more of a scoring role.
For Phoenix, this move gives them a lot more size, which could help them defensively. However, he also prevents them from having to lean on mediocre scorers in the frontcourt while Durant is out. Fortunately for the Suns, as Durant is such a skilled shooter, he and Butler can still complement each other when they do share the court.
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