The Miami Heat finally got their Jimmy Butler resolution. It took until the eve of the trade deadline before he was traded to the Warriors in a four-team deal that brought Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Anderson, and a protected 2025 first-round draft pick to South Beach. Fans knew the Butler trade was coming. It was good to see the Heat get some value in return and move on from the messy situation.
The Heat rerouted Dennis Schroder and Lindy Waters III while moving on from Josh Richardson in this trade. It is a complicated deal that is still being sorted through completely. The Warriors immediately signed Butler to an extension, so all sides got what they wanted in the end.
Miami should immediately shift their focus. They owe a lottery-protected first round draft pick to the Thunder in 2025 that becomes unprotected in 2026. The Heat want to part with the selection now to improve their future optionality, which leaves them with an obvious move.
Heat should add another piece before the deadline to push for the playoffs
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are the Heat’s current building blocks. Andrew Wiggins gives them a strong 3-and-D wing for support. Miami is excited about rookie Kel’el Ware and has plenty of depth. Do not be surprised to see the franchise add another ball-handler or stout defensive wing to help push for the playoffs.
The Heat will also look to dump at least $7.8 million from their books to dip under the luxury tax. They thought they had a deal to send Kyle Anderson to the Raptors, but it fell through. Adding a cheap option and getting under the tax are the top items on Pat Riley’s agenda after the blockbuster trade.
The Heat hope to avoid the Play-In Tournament. They are in a battle with the Pistons, Magic, Hawks, Bulls, and 76ers for sixth in the East. All those teams are separated by just 4.5 games in the standing as the All-Star break approaches. Miami needs a bit more offensive punch to win that race, and Riley is never afraid to make a bold move.
The Heat will certainly be gearing up to chase their next star over the next year-plus, but making the playoffs in 2025 is important. It allows them to convey the pick to Oklahoma City and sets up their 2027 first to go to Charlotte with a lottery protection. If the Heat miss the playoffs, their firsts in 2026 and 2028 are gone unprotected.
The pressure is on. They finally found someone to give them value for Jimmy Butler. The headache is officially over, but can the Miami Heat still make the playoffs? Be on the lookout for another trade that helps them round out their roster and make a push. Riley has until 3 p.m. ET on Thursday to get a deal done.