Lakers have what the Heat need to kick off the post-Jimmy Butler era

If the Miami Heat do wind up moving on from Jimmy Butler, an exchange with the LA Lakers could position them to get the greatest return package to build for the future.

The new 2024-25 season is going to give a lot of attention surrounding Butler’s impending contract decision. The Miami Heat superstar will be entering his age-35 season and may be due for his final payday. Butler will have a player option of $52 million at the end of this season, in which he can opt out to become an unrestricted free agent. 

This notion could lead to several different outcomes unfolding. But if Miami’s season goes south early, there is one team that could make the best possible deal to help move on from the Butler era; the Lakers. Bleacher Report recently linked the Heat and Lakers in a hypothetical trade centered around Butler and chips to build for the future. 

If the Heat trade Jimmy Butler to the Lakers, they should target their draft picks.

Not only does a blockbuster deal like this work for both sides, but they include valuable draft capital that the Heat currently lack.

For starters, it would ship Butler to a premier destination and pair him with former Heat legend LeBron James. Regardless of the fair age and mileage concern with a duo like that, adding Anthony Davis to a Big Three like that instantly moves the needle and lines up with Butler’s window.

For the Heat, those picks can help them find the next franchise-changing talent in the draft. Considering they occur in 2029 and 2031, it is fair to assume the Lakers will struggle after James and Butler retire. The Lakers are one James retirement announcement away from an immediate rebuild. 

If they don't want to wait that long, the Heat could also use those picks in a seperate trade for next disgruntled star.

Outside the draft capital, the Heat get back win-now players to bring into their culture. D’Angelo Russell is a proven scorer yet to reach 30 years old. Undoubtedly, a change of scenery and Erik Spoelstra’s leadership can bring the best out of Russell. 

Rui Hachimura is also a solid NBA role player who brings a scary amount of two-way length and versatility to any lineup. The cherry on top would be Gabe Vincent's return to South Beach, where he was a key starter on the 2023 NBA Finals team.

There have been many unrealistic trade ideas involving Butler circulating lately. However, the one involving the Lakers provides the Heat with assets they would want, while also making sense for LA.