As the Miami Heat work the trade market for a Jimmy Butler package, it’s worth wondering what, exactly, the Heat are looking for.
According to multiple reports, the Heat are seeking helpful role players, a shortage of longterm salary and draft capital in a deal for Butler. Teams like the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons have been mentioned as teams who could be interested in acquiring Butler or facilitating a trade.
When scanning the rosters of the teams that could be involved, here are a handful of players who stand out and could help the Heat this season and, potentially, beyond.
Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks: Middleton’s resume is impressive. Three-time All-Star, 2021 champion. He averaged nearly 20 points per game from 2017-2022 while providing reliable defense and playmaking as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s co-star in Milwaukee. At 33, Middleton is in a different stage of his career. His last three seasons have been mired by injuries, and he underwent surgery on both ankles last summer. He’s averaging 12 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in limited minutes this season. He’s no longer an All-Star, but he’s a good locker-room presence and two-way role player who can bolster Miami’s rotation. Most importantly, his contract comes off the books ahead of the summer of 2026.
Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors: After missing most of the season with an injury, Bruce Brown is back to being a helpful role player, this time on a surprisingly plucky Toronto Raptors team that has won five of their last six games. Brown is averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in that stretch. He’s been a helpful release valve on offense and a do-everything factor on defense. His hustle is undeniable. The Heat Culture is strong in him.
Kelly Olynyk, Raptors: Olynyk returning to Miami would be more than a feel-good headline. It’s easy to see how he would fit in with this edition of the Heat. He could back up rookie Kel’el Ware and provide another floor-spacing option next to Bam Adebayo (or potentially with Ware for a really interesting look).
Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk have developed a fruitful connection off the bench for the Raptors.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) January 24, 2025
Broke that down + Scottie’s 4th quarter + recap: https://t.co/oCPXqZeWkp pic.twitter.com/BGIVB88JXC
Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies: A versatile big man who can play either frontcourt position, Clarke is a strong rebounder and impressive athlete who can add value to almost any team in the league.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons: Tobis Harris over me?! Yeah, maybe, again. Harris could be included as needed salary to facilitate a Butler trade. His contract comes off the books after next season, keeping the Heat in the mix for the summer of 2026. He’s not spectacular, but he’s a solid veteran presence who can play a role in a playoff rotation. More importantly, he can be used as an expiring salary to build up to a star trade next season.
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls: The only player with All-Star potential on this list, LaVine’s contract goes beyond 2026 but could add a needed influx of talent now as opposed to two summers from now. LaVine is averaging at least 24 points for the fifth time in the last six seasons – the only exception coming last season, when his year was cut short by injuries. He’s not a strong defender or natural playmaker, but adding him to the mix with Tyler Herro could give the Heat an explosive backcourt that could carry the offense.