The Miami Heat face a crossroads season. Jimmy Butler has led them to two NBA Finals since 2020, but the franchise was eliminated in the first round of the playoff last season. The six-time All-Star has a player option after the 2024-25 campaign, but no extension is coming (subscription required). He plans to play out this deal and make a decision next summer.
What if things go off the rails? The Heat have been in the Play-In Tournament two straight years and may be destined for a third. Miami’s biggest move of the offseason was drafting Kel’el Ware in the middle of the first round, and the annual GM survey was not high on the franchise’s prospects. Butler missed time last season and things only get worse with him out of the lineup.
What if Butler requests a trade before the deadline? It would not be the first time, and the 35-year-old is running out of chances to get a ring. Several teams would be interested in Jimmy Buckets, but these are the most realistic options for the Heat’s superstar.
6. Nets
This seems unlikely as Brooklyn traded Mikal Bridges and appears headed towards a total rebuild, but there have been rumors (subscription required). The Nets have a ton of cap space and could potentially add a co-star if one becomes available in the 2025 offseason.
Brooklyn just tried this strategy with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and had disastrous results. There should be hesitancy from Sean Marks and ownership, but star power rules the league. Getting a 35-year-old one shortens your window. Butler would certainly draw fans and help the Nets win games, but consider this unlikely.
Butler wants a ring and won’t get one in Brooklyn. His focus should be on joining a contender or an upstart franchise looking to take the next step.
5. Rockets
Houston is in the market for a star, and fans should expect to hear them linked to every available marquee name. They are loaded with young talent and draft capital. The Rockets are just waiting on the move that makes them a contender.
The timelines do not exactly match here. Butler will be in his 40s as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr. reach their primes. This would be Houston pushing in now and hoping their young talent is ready to blossom as Jimmy Buckets fades.
The Rockets should not be all-in on the first star to hit the market. They should be looking for someone who fits their timeline. That is not the case here. It makes the possibility smaller, but it could still happen if Butler wants to leave South Beach.
4. Hawks
The Hawks traded for Dejounte Murray to be Trae Young’s co-star, but it did not work. They made the conference finals in 2021, but have not been able to replicate that success. Does Atlanta acquire a proven playoff standout in hopes of returning to contention?
The Hawks took Zaccharie Risacher with the number one overall pick in the 2024 draft and have Jalen Johnson as a rising star. If Both players pop this season, Atlanta may be searching for an avenue to improve their playoff odds. Butler is not the cleanest fit, but he raises their playoff ceiling.
The Heat are unlikely to trade with the rival Hawks, but stranger things have happened in the NBA. If Atlanta has the best offer, Miami should be willing, especially if Butler is gone either way.
3. Cavaliers
Cleveland locked up their Big 4 this offseason, but does the group fit? They have made the playoffs in two consecutive years but won just one series. The Cavs have two undersized guards and two non-shooting big men. It makes for strange fits and has many wondering why Cleveland refuses to acquire a difference-making wing.
Butler could be the missing piece and landing Darius Garland would interest the Heat. He gives them a 24-year-old All-Star guard to build around. Bam Adebayo and Garland could make an elite pick-and-roll duo with both franchises benefitting from this trade.
Will Koby Altman and the Cavaliers finally split up Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Garland? They want a star in return, and Jimmy Buckets certainly raises their ceiling. Cleveland would be a serious contender after this trade, and fans should not count it out.
2. Lakers
Butler has a massive offseason California home near San Diego. Does he want to make it his permanent state? There is always interest in playing for the iconic Lakers, and Butler could be the third star who gives LeBron James a shot at one final ring.
This trade is not easy to make. They would need to find a third team and figure out how the Lakers and Heat could both send out more money than they brought back. LA is just over $45,000 under the second tax apron, and Miami only has slightly more wiggle room. The aprons make trading difficult, but there could be interest on both sides.
The Lakers' picks have significant value as King James turns 40 in December. Pat Riley could hope they turn into top selections or trade them for a new star. This move is not crazy and will certainly be talked about if Butler wants to leave South Beach.
1. Warriors
Golden State is searching for a second star behind Stephen Curry but is hard-capped at the first apron and just $533,649 below the mark. Miami cannot take back more money they send out in a trade either, so this deal would get complicated quickly. They would need a third team to make the math work.
Butler does not exactly fit the Warriors' style of spacing the floor and firing threes, but they need a consistent 20-plus point per game scorer with Klay Thompson in Dallas. Head coach Steve Kerr could find ways to maximize Butler, but would it be enough to make the Dubs title contenders?
Do not be surprised to see the Warriors take a shot on a marquee talent, and Jimmy Buckets figures to be among the best available. Golden State may make a play in hopes of getting Curry a fifth ring.
The Miami Heat must figure out their plans. Does it involve Jimmy Butler or is it time to move on? There will be no shortage of suitors if he becomes available. It is decision time in South Beach, and the result will shape the future of the franchise. Stay tuned to find out how it all plays out.