4 Youth-inspired Heat trades that signal end of Jimmy Butler era

Rockets get: Jimmy Butler

Heat get: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, No. 3 pick in 2024 draft

If they leave their roster intact, the Houston Rockets are on the verge of sneaking into the play-in tournament. Alperen Sengun will take another step in his game. He gets better each season. Its time for him to improve defensivley. His quick hands and high IQ are a recipe for passable defense.

No one would help speed up his defensive process like Jimmy Butler. One could argue that Jimmy has that "dog" in him, and he would be a great defender because of that. While Butler's playstyle sometimes resembles a pit bull, his ability to know where offenses are going comes from studying the game. He's like Batman with prep time on the floor; Butler is always prepared. He could show Sengun his tricks. The offense would run through Sengun, while Butler would be the primary perimeter scorer in his return home.

Dillon Brooks has Heat culture DNA all over him. He'd be fine in Miami if he doesn't revert to his Memphis Grizzles shot selection days. His contract is longer, but it isn't a preposterous number ($21 million average annual value over the next three years).

Tyler Herro and Jalen Green are similar players, so their fit would be interesting. Both are hot and cold, have sound but could be better handles, and are not the strongest defenders. Green is more explosive and has shown he can generate easier looks by getting to the free-throw line more (6.1 FTA in 2023 when he was the main ball handler). Herro is a much better shooter. This would be an obscure fit, but they'd be auditioning for the future lead Heal guard role. One of them would be moved for more pieces eventually.

The No. 3 pick in this year's draft should be a big deal! The last time the media consensually named a drat weak (2020), that draft produced phenomenal young talent who could be the faces of the league.