The Miami Heat gave up two role players and the 15th pick in the 2025 draft, which just became Thomas Sorber, to acquire Jimmy Butler back in 2019. Miami sent Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside out in the four-team deal that instantly took the Heat from missing the playoffs to the NBA Finals. Butler had a messy exit, but the franchise made two trips to the NBA Finals with him leading their charge. It was a fantastic tenure that was sparked by landing him for a massive discount.
It was not all positive for Butler in South Beach, but he was unquestionably a top 30 in the world during his run in Miami. He gave them a chance to win the Eastern Conference every year, which makes this trade look even better.
Fans just saw Desmond Bane get traded for four first-round draft picks. Butler went for pennies compared to that price. He was an absolutely steal and even a breakout from this draft pick won’t change that.
Heat finalize trade for Jimmy Butler with latest draft
This was a sign-and-trade as Butler had reached free agency. The 76ers regrettably decided to keep Ben Simmons over Jimmy Buckets, which meant finding Butler a new home. Miami was happy to go star hunting and wound up making this move. Here are the full details of the trade.
- Heat received: Jimmy Butler, Meyers Leonard
- 76ers received: Josh Richardson
- Clippers received: Maurice Harkless, Thomas Sorber, Mathias Lesort’s draft rights
- Blazers received: Hassan Whiteside
This draft pick took a wild ride. It was traded as part of the Paul George deal between the Clippers and Thunder just days after the Butler swap before officially getting sent to OKC in an unusual trade. Miami and the Thunder agreed to amend the protections on the draft pick. It allowed the Heat to keep their pick in 2023 and take Jamie Jaquez Jr. only to give up the 15th pick now. The deal cost Miami KZ Okpala, but landed them a likely late second-round pick in 2026.
The Thunder have dominated the draft in recent years, so do not be surprised to see this player quickly making an impact. Miami needs talent on affordable contracts, so losing this pick hurts. The Heat are not losing any sleep, though. They do not make the NBA Finals twice without Butler.
The selection was lottery-protected in 2025, so it went to the Thunder when the Heat made the playoffs. Miami happily took the obligation off their plate because the pick would have been unprotected in 2026.
The Miami Heat stole Jimmy Butler from the 76ers in 2019. This draft pick does not change that. His departure was problematic, but his on-court play for the first five years was not. Pat Riley worked his magic, and fans hope he quickly does it again.
The Heat want to contend immediately. This trade set up the last run, and Miami hopes to make the deal that sets up the next one. Stay tuned to find out if Riley can repeat history