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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Cameron Payne
Phoenix Suns Cameron Payne (Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports)

Cameron Payne, Phoenix Suns

In the event that the Miami Heat is priced out by Gabe Vincent and decides to move on from Kyle Lowry in a bigger move, there’s a real chance that Miami could find themselves with a need at the point guard position. That’s where trading for a player like Cameron Payne could make sense.

Payne will be entering the final year of his contract with the Phoenix Suns and could emerge as a trade option for a veteran-laden team like the Heat. Payne has a history of playing with Jimmy dating back to their time in Chicago and perhaps they could have an interest in reuniting again.

It’s tough to envision what exactly the Suns would want from the Heat in a two-team deal, but there could be a path to Payne finding his way to Miami in a three or even a four-team deal centered around a bigger name.

Both the Heat and Suns will likely be looking to make a bigger-level move this offseason, but if the former finds itself with a need in the backcourt, Payne, who is coming off a season in which he averaged 10 points and five assists per game on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range, would be a solid addition.