Grade the trade: Reacting to the Heat’s stunning Jimmy Butler for Andrew Wiggins swap

Although a bright future for the Miami Heat lies ahead, the Jimmy Butler trade has finally gone down. The franchise agreed to trade the star forward in a multi-team deal that landed Miami Andrew Wiggins, PJ Tucker, Kyle Anderson and a draft pick. 

Butler should ultimately go down as an undisputed top-three player in Heat history. And there are advanced statistics to justify that notion. There are plenty of iconic memories, but for now, it’s time to turn the page for a new franchise chapter. 

After over a month of pushing his hardest to land at his preferred destination with the Phoenix Suns, Butler had to pivot for a new partnership with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Not long after the trade was agreed upon, the Warriors inked the veteran to a shiny new two-year $121 million max contract extension. 

How did each team do in this expanded mega deal? Let’s evaluate the immediate trade grades. 

Utah Jazz: B

Weeks ago, the Utah Jazz facilitated a trade with the LA Clippers that landed them PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba and a future second-round pick in exchange for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills. Aside from that pick, Utah didn’t have any plans to utilize the players they received on the court.

In this Butler trade, they free themselves of Tucker’s near $11 million salary. Not to mention, they got a strong piece to help their guard depth in Dennis Schroder in return.

Schroder can help keep things afloat in their backcourt, while Collin Sexton works his way back from a recent ankle injury.

Detroit Pistons: C+

Despite the Detroit Pistons earning a second-round pick in this deal, they received arguably the worst player in the haul. Josh Richardson has only appeared in eight games this season for Miami before suffering a nagging heel injury that has kept him out for months.

He also wasn’t good in the games that he did play in, averaging a career-low 4.0 points on some horrid shooting efficiency. Luckily, they only have to commit to him for a few months as Richardson finishes the remainder of his one-year vet minimum deal. Unless he gets cut before then. 

Detroit’s return was clearly the most underwhelming, and only got involved for the future pick and facilitating purposes.

Golden State Warriors: A

History has shown that the team who receives the best player in any trade almost always wins the trade. That is now the case for Butler and the Warriors, as they will form a revamped trio alongside Curry and Draymond Green. 

Now Green and Butler’s personalities could be an interesting locker room fit, to say the least. But Golden State has put trust into landing a highly motivated Butler who is hungry for his long awaited fresh start. 

With the Warriors currently sitting at the Western Conference’s 10th seed, there is still a lot of work to be done. However, what better way to make Curry’s later years a bit more meaningful than acquiring a proven postseason hero with Butler?

Miami Heat: B+

The Heat may not have been able to land the likes of Kevin Durant, but Wiggins was always the second-best option on the table. Wiggins isn't a star, but he aligns with Bam Adebayo’s timeline. Spoelstra should have a field day working with 2014's no. 1 overall pick.

Wiggins brings an ability to shoot the ball, provide consistent scoring and add elite perimeter defense against opposing wings. Wiggins is currently averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and nearly two stocks per game on 44.4% shooting and 38% from 3-point range.

Additionally, the Heat will gain a first-round pick and reunite with former fan-favorite role player Tucker on an expiring contract. They are still deciding on what to do with Anderson’s salary— as he brings some first-apron financial limitations. 

At the end of the day, this is a very respectable package for a disgruntled star player and should help the Heat in their playoff push.