As the Jimmy Butler trade saga is nearing its endpoint, it seems like a new report or rumor has appeared every day. Although the newest, and possible most shocking update, could pose as some encouraging news for Miami Heat fans.
The relationship between Butler and the Heat organization has reached a point of no repair. The disgruntled star’s third suspension, this one for an indefinite period, has set up the timeline to end this partnership by the Feb. 6. trade deadline.
And the rumor mill has been pumping up new trade ideas and possible landing spots.
Shams Charania iterated recently that the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are the most likely trade destinations for Butler. However, this has been such a fluid situation that any team could always come and swoop him at the last minute— especially after Miami has reportedly lowered their asking price.
According to a new report, one of those teams may be the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer iterated the Pelicans interest in getting involved with a Butler deal.
“A new team has emerged as a potential trade suitor for Jimmy Butler. The New Orleans Pelicans have this week registered interest in trading for Butler, league sources tell The Stein Line.”
“The extent of New Orleans' interest was not immediately clear, but sources say that a firm Pelicans offer would be built around the $36M expiring contract of Brandon Ingram,” Fischer said. “It is believed that the prospect of acquiring a player of Brandon Ingram's caliber would certainly get the Miami Heat's attention, given that Miami is openly motivated to make the playoffs this season.”
Another player or two would need to be included from New Orleans to make this type of trade work financially. Herb Jones’ salary could make a straight swap between the two teams align perfectly.
It is yet unclear how serious the Pelicans really are in talks, if at all. However, the idea is very intriguing to entertain. They are essentially dealing with a similar initial issue with their own disgruntled star in Ingram, as New Orleans has refused to offer a max contract extension to the forward.
Ingram has dealt with a lot of injury issues over the years, and has appeared in just 18 games this season— on pace for a career-low. Although, frustration and beginning of a sour partnership between New Orleans could be playing a factor in Ingram sitting out games.
The 6-foot-8 wing and former All-Star has still put up very respectable stats for his caliber, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 47/37/86 shooting splits.
His elite offensive abilities as a three level scorer would certainly help keep the Heat competitive. Ingram’s two-way length also fits what Miami has shifted to do with their bigger lineups that include Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt. Considering Ingram is on an expiring deal, it could be the perfect low-risk, high-reward type of move to give him a few months to prove his worth.
If injuries start to pile up with his history, the Heat could always opt to move on during the offseason.
The Pelicans, who are not in any position to need a new star with their 12-37 record and sitting at 14th in the Western Conference, could also do the same with Butler. He has a player option at the end of this season to either test the free agent market or opt in to a near $52 million salary for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. But it could be much easier to maneuver yet another Butler move once his salary is also set to expire.
Ultimately, it is still unclear what will actually transpire with this never-ending Butler saga. Still, the Heat need to do their due diligence in exploring as many options as they can before that deadline rapidly approaches.