Miami Heat make shock trade decision amid poor start to the NBA season
The Miami Heat are welcoming trade offers for star forward Jimmy Butler after the team’s 12-10 start this season.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Miami is open to negotiations for the six-time All-Star, who reportedly favors a win-now candidate as his destination.
The decision comes despite Miami reeling off three straight wins over impressive opposition in the Lakers, Suns and Cavaliers in their recent outings.
Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, indicated in NBA circles that Butler has mentioned the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors as ideal landing spots. according to ESPN.
A move to the Rockets would not only accommodate Butler’s roots in H-Town, but also put him on a hungry team that is on the right track this season. With young stars Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green leading the way, head coach Ime Udoka has led the Rockets to a 16-8 start, which puts them third in the West.
Houston also has veteran players Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams, who may represent trade value for Butler.
The Miami Heat are listening to trade offers for star Jimmy Butler after a slow start this season
Butler’s agent has mentioned the Mavericks, Rockets and Warriors as favorite landing spots
Below the Rockets are the Mavericks who share the same record and have just appeared in the NBA Finals.
Adding Butler would build a formidable Big 3 alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic as the Mavs look to win the Western Conference again.
The Warriors are sixth at 14-9, with poster boy Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. Following the departure of Klay Thompson, the Dubs have turned to recently acquired Buddy Hield and veteran Andrew Wiggins to step up to the plate.
However, a move by Butler could mean Hield will leave the Bay Area after making a splash upon his arrival.
Butler is in his sixth season with the Heat after spending his first six years in Chicago and making pit stops in Minnesota and Philadelphia. The Marquette product memorably led Miami to the Finals in 2020 and 2023, losing to the Lakers and Nuggets, respectively.
So far this season, Butler is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 55.7 percent from the field.
While his numbers haven’t dropped, Butler’s impact appears to be waning, with Tyler Herro (24.2 ppg) leading the team in points. Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo holds the torch in rebounds (10.1 ppg), assists (5.2 ppg) and steals (1.5 ppg) for the Heat.
Miami looks to extend their win streak to four games when they host the Raptors on Thursday.
Butler signed a three-year, $146 million contract with the Heat in 2023, including $146,396,031 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $48,798,677.