Tension is brewing inside the Miami Heat organization and things are about to get ugly soon. All-star Jimmy Butler may be moving on from South Beach, and there’s nothing Pat Riley could do anymore. That being said, here are five potential trade destinations for Butler before the trade deadline in February.
Golden State Warriors
The Dubs already have their eyes on big man Jonas Valanciunas, but who’s to say they won’t need another star to pair with Steph Curry this season?
They’ve been holding on to Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski since that Dennis Schroder trade. With these two young stars and a few first-round picks, the Warriors could entice Pat Riley to send Jimmy to the Bay area.
Although it’s a delicate choice—whether to keep their promising young players or opt for a win-now situation—the Warriors are still in a good position to make an offer to the Heat. Curry, Schroder, Hield, Wiggins, Green, and Butler. Who says NO?
Phoenix Suns
If there’s a team that can give up a star in exchange for a 35-year-old battle-hardened game-changer, that will be Phoenix.
Throw in Bradley Beal, and maybe Grayson Allen or Jusuf Nurkic plus some picks or pick swaps, and voila! You got a trade package somehow enough to keep Miami in the loop.
It may not be the best offer the Miami Heat can get, but at least they’ve got more to offer than this next team.
Los Angeles Lakers
Out of the five teams as the potential landing spots for Jimmy Butler in what would be a blockbuster trade, the Lakers are probably the team with the least assets.
Unless they finally ship D’Angelo Russell outside of L.A., the Lakers are more likely outside looking into whoever wins the Butler lottery.
Houston Rockets
If you’re the Houston Rockets GM, would you break up your young core in exchange for the services of a 14-year veteran star with extensive playoff experience? This may get a mixed reaction, with some saying no.
Since 2021, H-town has been rebuilding after James Harden’s bitter departure. But, in just three years or so, they managed to pick up some great talents—Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson.
The big question is: Which studs are the Rockets’ front office willing to sacrifice? They’re in no position to make a move for a win-now season even with veterans Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Dillon Brooks. Even if they really get Butler, that won’t change things instantly.
So, the question stands. Who stays and who goes?
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs just came off a solid playoff run last summer after reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. By adding Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Dante Exum, Derek Lively II, and superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, the team immediately became a contender in the West.
Just like the Warriors and the Lakers, they’re also hot on Jimmy Butler’s tail as he enters the trading block. However, is Jimmy the answer to Dallas’ issues on their lack of shooters? Obviously no, but another star to compliment Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to make the newest big three will be a colossal move for NBA fans.
On the flip side, this would slightly destroy what the Mavericks have been building for many years: a deep bench. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Other teams like the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs are also in the mix, but they don’t have to make a move right now to take Jimmy Butler, or, do they?
Despite Pat Riley’s efforts to keep Jimmy Buckets in Florida, maybe it’s time for one of the best two-way players in history to take his talents somewhere else. What an ironic moment for the Heat.
