Miami Heat: Would trading for Jimmy Butler be a good move?

The Miami Heat are still supposedly pursuing Jimmy Butler, but would trading for him be smart?

Timing is everything.

And it’s safe to say that the Miami Heat pursuing a trade for Jimmy Butler, couldn’t come at a stranger time.

After a quiet offseason, a good majority of fans seem to have finally accepted the roster as is, instead concentrating on the upcoming development of a young core in guys like Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow.

Sure, many still want Hassan Whiteside moved.

And of course a handful of ears perked up when Kyrie Irving praised the organization and stated his high regard for South Beach.

But things with the team seemed pretty straightforward, heading into the 2018-19 season.

Until now.

Because now, president Pat Riley is supposedly aggressively gunning for Butler, after the forward requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Just in time for the team’s Media Day too, only making things that much more awkward.

While Butler has been excused from Minnesota’s Monday activities, the entirety of Miami’s current team will be participating in photoshoots, interviews and more.

However, timing aside, trading for the disgruntled star may not be in the Heat’s best interest anyways.

On paper, acquiring Butler seems like a great idea.

After all, the 29-year-old averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals a game last season. He shot 47.4 percent from the field (going 35.0 percent from downtown). And saw time in 59 contests.

So obviously, he’d be a welcomed asset, especially on the offensive side of things.

But it might not be as simple as it seems.

For starters, there’s an argument to be made that he wouldn’t be a great fit for The Culture.

During his run with the Chicago Bulls, he was often blamed for locker room drama, primarily involving former teammates Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Butler also made public statements against Fred Hoiberg to the media, by no means helping his reputation.

And after doing whatever it took for him to land back under Tom Thibodeau’s wings via the Timberwolves, after just one season, he’s calling it quits.

All reportedly because of a personal issue with Minnesota big man, Karl-Anthony Towns.

Antics that probably wouldn’t fly with neither Riley nor head coach Erik Spoelstra.

(And if fans had a problem with Whiteside being frustrated over simply wanting to play more, Butler’s general negativity likely wouldn’t sit well with them either.)

There’s also the question of who would be worth giving up, in exchange for the Houston-native.

Although some outlets have suggested a combination of Whiteside and Dion Waiters, others are assuming either Richardson or Winslow would have to be involved for Minnesota to agree.

Two guys that right now, stand to be the future of the franchise.

And while one would hope Butler would stick around longterm and help lure other big names to Miami, his track record suggests otherwise. Especially with best friend Dwyane Wade retiring next summer.

The Miami Heat should certainly see what the Timberwolves put on the table, but management shouldn’t just jump at the chance to sign any big name.