As the Miami Heat scan the market for offers for Jimmy Butler, one NBA insider cautions not to expect Butler to end up in Sacramento as part of a deal for De’Aaron Fox.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Heat will have interest in trading for Fox, but any deal that brings Fox to Miami would likely have to be part of a deal that involves more than two teams.
The Heat are interested in trading for De'Aaron Fox.
“I don’t believe Jimmy going to the Kings is part of the option here. I have my reasons for that. Could change,” Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast. “Obviously the Miami Heat would have interest in trading for De'Aaron Fox. I don't think Jimmy Butler is what the Kings are looking for. And again, things could change. So is there a move that could satisfy the Sacramento Kings that could get Miami De'Aaron Fox?
“Miami, if they made an offer [for Fox]—they potentially make an offer with stuff that they would get for Jimmy, which could potentially be a first-round pick or two,” he continued. “I think they need to be considered on the list for sure.”
The Heat have reportedly lowered their asking price for Butler, but Fox’s entrance into the trade market could change what Miami is looking for. More specifically, they could potentially work with the Kings to acquire assets that they would want in return for Fox.
The Kings don’t project as a team that would launch a full-scale rebuild after trading Fox. They still employ Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and other veterans.
In addition to Butler, the Heat can trade one future first-round pick or swap rights in 2029, 2030 and 2031.
The NBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 6.