The Miami Heat have publicly stated they do not plan to trade star Jimmy Butler this summer, but some prominent NBA insiders suggest this could be a strategic stance.
Howard Beck of The Ringer emphatically stated on June 21 that Butler will be traded before the next season begins.
“Jimmy Butler will be traded,” Beck asserted. “Rival executives have been buzzing about it for months, for all the obvious reasons. Butler is nearing 35, has a history of injuries, and is seeking a two-year, $113 million extension. If the Heat grant this, they’ll lack the flexibility to add another star, which they desperately need.”
Using Beck’s report as a basis, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report identified the Memphis Grizzlies as a “surprise landing spot” for Butler, who would likely attract interest from several teams if put on the trading block.
“If the Grizzlies aim to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the conference, bringing in Butler to team up with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. would certainly make a statement,” Swartz noted. “A trade centered around Desmond Bane seems the most plausible. While losing Butler would hurt, it would provide the Heat with a new, young core including Bane, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jović, without the burden of Butler’s extension.”
Desmond Bane: Elite Offense and Youth for the Heat
Desmond Bane would be a dynamic addition to the Heat backcourt, known for his scoring prowess. He averaged 21.5 and 23.7 points per game in the past two regular seasons, shooting 41.5% from deep for his career on 6.4 attempts per game.
While Bane doesn’t match Butler’s size or defensive skills, he has proven to be a solid defender over his four-year career. His defensive rating last season was 116.6, close to the league average of 116.1, making him a competent, middle-tier defender.
Bane is under a five-year, $197.2 million contract with the Grizzlies, keeping him signed through the 2028-29 season. He will earn $34 million next season, while Butler’s salary will be $48.8 million in 2024-25, meaning Memphis would need to include additional players to balance the trade financially.
Jimmy Butler: A Fit for the Grizzlies’ Immediate Goals
The Grizzlies finished 13th in the Western Conference last season and hold the 9th overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. However, their low standings do not reflect their potential for the 2024-25 season.
Ja Morant played only nine games last season, and the team struggled with injuries to several key players. Nonetheless, Morant was an All-Star in the two previous years, and Memphis was the No. 2 seed in the West entering the 2022-23 playoffs.
The Western Conference was highly competitive last year, even without the Grizzlies being a major threat. With a healthy roster led by a determined Morant, potentially on a redemption tour following his suspension, Memphis could emerge as a formidable contender. Butler’s extensive postseason experience would be invaluable to this ambition.
Therefore, the Grizzlies might be willing to trade a promising young talent like Bane for a veteran like Butler, who brings a wealth of experience and a competitive edge essential for deep playoff runs.
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