It is NBA trade season, and with the February 6 deadline rapidly approaching, there are other news to disclose rather than the same drama surrounding Jimmy Butler. It has been unclear for a while now who the Miami Heat would like to target in any potential Butler deal, but the most recent report provides the first bit of clarity in regard to that.
Any deal to move the heavily disgruntled Butler would likely take a multi-team blockbuster in order to maneuver a trade. The Phoenix Suns, who are Butler’s preferred destination, seem to be the only ones with legitimate interest in his services. In fact, there were reports that cited Phoenix would be willing to offer that lucrative max extension to the Heat star as soon as they acquire him.
The Suns are trying to pull an all-in move to supplement their superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The odd man out is indeed Bradley Beal, whose salary would need to be moved in order for them to bring in Butler. However, the Heat and sources close to the team have repeatedly iterated they have no interest in bringing aboard Beal and his hefty contract— which features a no trade clause.
That’s where things get tricky with talks of a possible three, four or even five-team trade come into the fold. And Miami may have their eyes on a valuable role player from a facilitating team in such deal.
“The Toronto Raptors have convinced numerous front offices that they are motivated to help facilitate transactions before the trade buzzer sounds. ‘They want to get involved in any Jimmy Butler trade,’ one GM told The Stein Line.
Such efforts would certainly start with Bruce Brown, whose $23M expiring salary could be a key ingredient in triangulating a multi-team Butler deal. Brown is a former Miami Hurricanes star who the Heat, according to league sources, have indeed registered interest in acquiring.”
— Jake Fischer/Bleacher Report
Keep in mind that, of course, Brown wouldn’t be the only piece the Heat get back in this potential Butler deal. But he would certainly be a coveted asset in the framework of one.
Brown is a versatile 3 and D forward, and recently took Miami down on route to the 2023 championship with his former team in the Denver Nuggets. Listed at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he has averaged 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds on 47% shooting and 36.4% from 3-point range this season for the Toronto Raptors.
His best season came in that 2022-23 campaign for Denver, where he put up 11.5 points on 48% shooting and 36% from deep.
Brown is still only 28 years old and could pose as a beautiful role player to supplement the new Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware core moving forward. He provides two-way length on the wing and capable of being a solid point of attack defender.
Most importantly, Brown is on an expiring $23 million salary. Such an acquisition for Miami could give them some financial flexibility as they entire this upcoming offseason.
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This guy can play would love BB here
Uh-oh, SM will fire Riley if this happens. 🙃
Depends on who else he gets. Expiring contracts are good. Need a young one and a pick or two.