Jimmy Butler’s trade request is looking like it will be fulfilled by the Feb. 6. deadline. This messy divorce has created a cloud around everyone involved with the Miami Heat. And it could have potentially even impacted his legacy with the franchise.
Butler, once viewed as a top-three player in Heat history to plenty of the fanbase, has undoubtedly left a sour taste on his way out. It has even created the discussion on if the star will ultimately earn a jersey retirement down the line. However, it should be in everybody’s best interest to worry about the memories down the line, and instead focus on moving on for now.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently confident prediction stated that the disgruntled forward will certainly “get traded”. Shams Charania noted shortly after that the Heat have progressed in active discussions with rival teams.
The Phoenix Suns, who have made it known that they have legitimate Butler interest over the past month, is the interesting route here to facilitate. Miami has stood firm on wanting to stay away from Bradley Beal’s contract in any negotiations. Therefore, a multi-team deal could be the only route in this regard.
That’s where players like Zach LaVine could enter the conversation.
Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons have all been listed as possible facilitators in a Butler blockbuster. It has been known for quite some time that Chicago has had an interest in moving LaVine and his hefty salary.
If that is still the case, the Heat should be all over the possible acquisition of LaVine.
Additionally, there was a time during last year’s 2023-24 season where LaVine indeed listed Miami as one of his preferred destinations— if he were to get moved. The talented guard is on a bloated contract and has dealt with injuries, which each have played factors in Chicago’s inability to move him in recent years.
He is currently making around $43 million in annual salary, and it increases to $45 million for next season. However, his expiring $48 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign could provide the Heat with some financial flexibility. If they opted to move him to gear up for that anticipated strong 2026 free agent class, it would be a lot easier to maneuver around an expiring to clear space.
Still, in the present time, a LaVine addition is too enticing to not explore. He is a former multi-time NBA All-Star and has grown into a legitimate offensive force. The outside shooting and scoring production from a backcourt pairing with Herro would give the Heat endless possibilities.
This could be Miami’s best pivot for a win-now outcome that could keep the squad competitive in the playoff hunt. The offensive fire power, paired with the team’s defensive identity, could be a terrific addition— if acquiring the Bulls’ star is in play here.
Of course, the Butler situation remains fluid. Things can change and develop quickly, although all signs during this process have pointed towards a Butler deal ultimately being pushed out until deadline day. Miami has remained patient, but diligent, and will likely need all the time they can to put all the options out on the table.
What would be the best, yet realistic trade return for Butler to help supplement the newly formed rising core of Herro, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware? Let us know in the comments!
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I just hope Riley doesn’t end up with Beal, or worse yet, Brown and KO. That would be so much like the recent past, we get the worst possible deal, the one that moves the needle the least. Every other deal would give us someone we could add to the core without limiting our ability to make other moves.
I am sure Riley would never trade for Beal, because of his contract. I think he would rather let Butler leave after the season for nothing.
Brown and KO for Butler is a bad joke. I hope we can get a better deal.
If I was a betting man, I’d say there is 70% chance, based on the recent past, of Butler still being on the Heat on 2-7. And I think that would be a bad thing.
I am an optimist this time. I think he will be traded. Him staying would definitely be bad.
I think so as well. This NBA title winning is serious business. Teams will make 11th hour moves all over the place. That’s how the Heat got Dipo. Last second lol
LaVine, Vucevic and Giddey for Butler, Robinson and Jaquez?
butler been there done that ,he left chi town prob ugly.think he’ll wind up gsw for couple years with steph and we get wiggins and maybe another player from san antonio
In the same transaction, young players and draft picks can go to Chicago with Butler going to San Antonio or Memphis. Giddey is a good, playmaking point guard. Vucevic can be alternated in front court between Ware and Bam. LaVine and Herro could be a pretty high octane scoring duo. LaVine takes Butler’s spot. Burks takes Robinson’s spot. Jovic comes off the bench as SF. Giddey, Herro, LaVine, Bam, Ware. If Giddey works out, he would probably agree to team friendly contract beginning in 2025-2026.
burks should take duncs spot right now better player.burks is not a spo fav
There is no Bulls player which is any good but White, Ball and Giddey.
So no to Lavine and Vuc, but one of those two would be great… A long point guard paired with Herro.. my dream exactly… I would take Ball over Lavine.
I would probably take ball over lavine as well. He’s a 3 and D pg, exactly our need, and former top 3 pick, and still only 27, but does has have injury concerns as well. I also think his contract expires after this season. Honestly I would be ok with anything we get as long as it ain’t Beal’s albatross contract.
I also like Ball, more than the other two, in fact.
Ball was a great player and I think he would be the ideal fit for a PG that we need. Not sure what his condition is now, he didn’t play for 3 years and had several knee surgeries and I haven’t seen him play yet. I thought his career was over. This guy is injury concerns personified. On the other hand he has an expiring 20 mil contract, so would be worth a bet.
I think the Heat need another scorer. I like the idea of LaVine better than someone like Andrew Wiggins. Just not sure how realistic DeAaron Fox is for the Heat, and would prefer him to LaVine.
I agree 100%
We are one of fox’s preferred destinations, but spurs is his top destination, plus if spurs really want him, they could get him easily over us with the amount of assets they have. So I’d say it’s unlikely for us.
LaVine is an injury prone player with a fat contract. BUT, when he is healthy, he is one heck of a dynamic player! Of course, take what I say with a grain of salt since I was also an advocate of getting Oladipo here, and we know how sadly that turned out.
Who you taking Beal or lavine?
On talent and age? LaVine in a heartbeat. In fact, I’ll take him overall. I checked on Beal and the most games he’s played in a season since 2019 is 60. So, he also has availability issues. But that ZL injury history does concern me.
I agree whole heartedly, the injury concerns me as well, but def taking him over Beal. With that fire power I think he makes us a 6th seed, in the weak east. Either way I think we’ll be play in by default, since hawks suffered a season ending injury to their 2nd best player Jalen johnson.
That’s a big loss for hawks
I would take LaVine, too. His injury history is indeed concerning, but beggars can’t be choosers, I guess.
Also, I would be ok with Middleton and Portis or Wiggins+Kuminga (but this does not seem likely).
Other options mentioned in the media are not appealing at all.
And I don’t think DeAaron Fox option is realistic,of course this would be the best.
Shid, I’ll even take whatever Memphis is offering, something like smart, clark,or wells, and a first .
Yall see Rozier???
No. He’s wearing the One Ring, so only the Nazgul can see him.
Yes. NBA investigated him and found nothing Feds are not saying he’s done anything, at least not yet.
*Insert no wonder his play has sucked this year jokes here*
Novel way for the team to create cap space 😬
ha ha.
Yeah, great news. As if this team didn’t have enough distraction
Heat fans in 2024: “I wish the national media would pay more attention to my team!”
Monkey’s paw: *curls finger*
thank jimmy for that