4. Homecoming
Miami gets: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Jeff Green
Houston gets: Jimmy Butler
It’s not a secret that the Rockets are aiming to return to playoff contention as soon as possible, and Butler would help them get there. Butler, a Houston native, might welcome a return to his home city.
The Rockets have contracts to help match salary and several young players that could pique Miami’s interest. The Heat might ask for Jabari Smith Jr., the third-overall pick in 2022 who has taken a backseat in the front court to Alperen Sengun.
At 6-foot-11, Smith is shooting 38% from 3 this season and has the makings of being a high-level, versatile defender. He’d be a great fit with Adebayo in Miami’s frontcourt. Dillon Brooks would help replace Butler’s defense on the wing and just seems like the kind of player who would take Heat culture seriously.