5 Miami Heat trade targets with ties to Jimmy Butler

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
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The Miami Heat’s unprecedented run at one of the most unlikely championships in NBA history ultimately fell short at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. But what they accomplished over the last two months is going to feed the momentum for the team heading into the offseason.

An offseason that could prove to be quite memorable for the Heat.

The Miami Heat could be on the verge of a busy offseason

All indications are that the Heat is going to approach the offseason with the goal of landing another star player. With this recent NBA Finals run, there has to be a strong belief inside the organization that the team is a player away. However, getting that player could prove to be difficult, but the Heat is likely going to put the full-court press into making that happen this offseason.

With the start of the offseason in sight, we explore five players with ties to Jimmy Butler that could emerge as Heat trade targets this offseason.

Derrick Rose, New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have a decision to make regarding Derrick Rose’s team option for next season. One potential scenario that could play out involves the Knicks accepting Rose’s option and then trading him. That’s something the Heat could end up pursuing.

Butler and Rose have a well-documented history with the Bulls. It would be pretty interesting to see their paths cross again toward the latter portion of both their careers, and maybe that can happen in Miami.

At this point in his career, Rose is not much more than a backup point guard option. He could be a spot starter for the Heat but this would be more of move that would solidify the team’s depth in the backcourt.