4 Terrible Jimmy Butler trade ideas that will never happen
Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler was the savior of the Miami Heat, a fact that is often overlooked.
Despite being a highly successful organization, the Heat had struggled in the playoffs since LeBron James' departure, winning just one series in five years. Their financial situation was burdened by expensive contracts for players like Hassan Whiteside, Kelly Olynyk, Dion Waiters, James Johnson, and Tyler Johnson. The team was stuck with a roster that was not competitive, with no immediate prospects of contending.
During this period, Butler quietly played for the Chicago Bulls alongside Dwyane Wade. Wade introduced the small forward to Heat culture, and when Jimmy became a free agent, he chose to join Miami. Despite the team's uncertain roster, Butler seamlessly integrated into the Heat's culture and led them to two NBA Finals appearances.
Butler's absence for 22 regular-season games and Miami's entire first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics significantly impacted the team. His durability has become a recurring concern, given that he has not played in 70 games in a single season since his final year with the Chicago Bulls in 2016-17. With Butler approaching 35 years of age before the start of this upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, his age raises questions about the likelihood of ongoing injuries and availability issues.
Evidence has shown that this trend typically doesn't improve when a player enters his mid-to-late 30s. In his postseason conference, Heat president Pat Riley mentioned this issue, and that a final decision regarding Butler and his future with Miami doesn't need to be made until 2025.
If the Miami Heat's season doesn't go as planned, could they entertain a Jimmy Butler trade? Perhaps, but here are four terrible trades that we've seen on the internet that won't ever happen.
"A significant decision for us to allocate such resources unless we are certain that the player will be consistently available," Riley said during his end-of-season press conference. "That's the reality."
However, Butler essentially ended trade rumors and solidified his commitment to the Heat when it was reported that he has decided to continue playing for them this season, despite his contract desires not being fulfilled at this time. In addition, it dispels any speculation about a trade request stemming from the absence of a contract extension.
Miami's usual strategy of acquiring stars rather than trading them away is nothing new, but this significant shift is common in the NBA, especially with a player of Butler's caliber. To not add any more fuel to the fire, we explore four terrible Jimmy Butler trade proposals that will never happen.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Trade proposal:
Lakers receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent, Bronny James, 2029 Unprotected First draft pick, and an Unprotected First draft pick in 2031.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a critical juncture with LeBron James nearing the end of his career, signaling that their championship window may be closing. The Lakers suffered an early elimination in this season's NBA Playoffs, which has caused many changes this offseason, player and coaching-wise.
The offseason for the Lakers has taken an intriguing turn with the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach. This development raises the question of what roster adjustments general manager Rob Pelinka will implement to enhance Redick's prospects for success in his inaugural coaching role.
Before the official announcement regarding Redick, there was considerable speculation about Los Angeles potentially acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. The proposed trade scenario mirrors the risks involved in the Russell Westbrook trade. To make the financials work, the Lakers would have to offer the Heat Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Additionally, in this significant transaction, Los Angeles would need to include either Gabe Vincent or D’Angelo Russell, who may enter free agency this summer. While this would be a significant trade package for both teams, and some fans may embrace the idea of adding Butler at any cost, others may question the value of this proposed trade.
Considering Butler as the missing piece to make a final push before their current era ends is a tempting prospect. Miami's small forward is expected to earn $48.8 million in the 2024-25 season, which means the Lakers will need to trade several players to make the deal feasible.
However, acquiring Butler would mean parting ways with key contributor Austin Reaves, who has become one of the best-undrafted success stories in Lakers history. Additionally, promising young forwards Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt would also be lost in the process.
The Lakers are eager to acquire a player of Butler’s caliber, as he has proven to be a valuable asset in the postseason. He is an outstanding defender, who would provide Los Angeles with someone who can effectively defend opponents on the perimeter while power forward Anthony Davis guards the paint. However, the Lakers lack the necessary assets to lure Butler away from the Heat, not to mention offering him a maximum extension. While Butler brings superstar talent and playoff experience, the cost of sacrificing depth and young talent wouldn't be worth it for Los Angeles at this time.