Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler Could Be Headed to the Sacramento Kings
In a recent trade proposal by NBA writer Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Sacramento Kings are suggested to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat this offseason. Here is the proposed trade:
Trade Proposal:
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, a first-round pick in 2028, and a first-round pick in 2030.
Butler, a key player for the Heat, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games this season, with shooting percentages of 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. He is set to earn $48.8 million next season.
As one of the NBA’s top players, Butler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. However, if the Heat do not offer him a max extension, he might request a trade.
“While the Heat could not sound less interested in a Butler blockbuster, perhaps a few anxious rounds of extension negotiations could change that,” Buckley wrote. “Between his lengthy injury history and his upcoming 35th birthday, he won’t necessarily just be handed a blank check. But if Miami tries pinching pennies on a new deal, maybe Butler will decide that it’s time for him to move on.”
Although Butler might not perfectly fit Sacramento’s system due to his low-volume, low-efficiency three-point shooting, his tenacity, defensive versatility, and experience could greatly benefit the Kings. Buckley suggests that the aggressive offer from Sacramento might be enough to entice Miami, especially if the Heat’s front office values Huerter and Mitchell. Additionally, acquiring the No. 13 and No. 15 picks would provide the Heat with opportunities to strengthen their roster or pursue other star trades.
Butler holds a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season and turns 35 in September. With career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks, Butler has been a standout player for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. He has earned six All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, and five All-Defensive team selections.
The Kings missed the playoffs this year, while the Heat were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round. This proposed trade could potentially reshape both franchises’ futures.
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