While the Miami Heat are dealing with the Jimmy Butler trade saga, another star has emerged as a trade candidate who would be a perfect fit for the Heat. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Kings are open to trade discussions surrounding De’Aaron Fox. Fox, a former All-Star, has two years left on his contract and was unwilling to extend his contract last offseason.
Shams also reported that Fox has a target destination in mind: the San Antonio Spurs. While that might scare away teams from trading for him, the Miami Heat should do whatever it takes to pair Fox with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Many are already comparing the Fox trade situation to Donovan Mitchell, who was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs were not on Mitchell’s target list, but after playing a few seasons with the team he realized he wanted to stay. He signed an extension in the offseason, and the Cavs currently have the best record in the NBA this season.
The Heat were one of Mitchell’s preferred destinations, but they were unable to acquire him. They cannot make the same mistake with Fox. The Heat should be confident that they can convince Fox to stay in Miami. He already has a connection with Bam Adebayo, as the two played together in college for the Kentucky Wildcats. Fox’s connection with Adebayo and the team success that should come with them teaming up should be more than enough to make Fox want to stay in Miami.
The Heat are actively shopping Jimmy Butler. Acquiring Fox in a trade would be the absolute best thing Miami could get in return for Butler. The Heat are preparing to clear salaries so they have about $80 million to spend in the 2026 offseason, where there are expected to be several star free agents, such as Luka Doncic. Realistically, the Heat aren’t getting anyone that is better than De’Aaron Fox in free agency. It would be better to act now.
On the court, Fox would be a great fit. The Heat are in need of a point guard, and Fox is one of the best guards in the league. He is also one of the fastest players in the league and excels at attacking the basket. He fits Adebayo’s timeline and would extend the Heat’s championship window for at least two more seasons.
Trading for De’Aaron Fox would likely cost the Heat more than just Jimmy Butler, but it would be worth it for the Heat. Fox would be a great fit in Miami. The Heat should not worry about potentially losing Fox to San Antonio in the 2026 offseason because he can give the Heat at least two great seasons, even if they can’t convince him to stay. Worst case scenario, the Heat could trade Fox next offseason and acquire some of the Spurs’ assets.
De’Aaron Fox would make the Heat one of the best teams in the East again. If they do not want to be fighting for a play-in spot and lose in the first round of the playoffs again, they should try to trade for Fox.