As Jimmy Butler potentially enters his final season with the Miami Heat, the franchise is already planning for life after their star. Whether Butler re-signs for a few more years or moves on, Heat president Pat Riley is known for landing big-name talent, having previously secured the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. While New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram may not carry quite the same legendary status, he is an All-Star talent, consistently averaging over 20 points per game in the past five seasons.
The Pelicans spent the summer shopping Ingram, but no team bit on the deal. One key reason is the expectation that Ingram is looking for a max contract. In the past, this wouldn’t have been a major roadblock, but with new league salary restrictions, teams that overspend beyond the cap are hit with hefty penalties. Just look at teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, who have been regular luxury tax offenders. With these new rules, franchises need to be much more cautious when handing out max deals, or they risk being stuck in mediocrity.
The Miami Heat, however, could be an ideal landing spot for Ingram. Butler’s contract is nearing its end, and the Heat could use a reliable scorer who can create his own shot, particularly in clutch situations. Whether Butler stays beyond 2025 or not, Ingram’s mid-range game and scoring ability would be a perfect fit. In a recent Bleacher Report article, Andy Bailey listed the Heat as the top destination for Ingram, analyzing how a trade could unfold in the coming months.
While Ingram isn’t expected to be Butler’s direct replacement, he could give Miami’s young core—players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro—time to develop. If the Heat’s front office can convince Ingram to sign a more team-friendly deal, he could evolve into a key secondary playmaker alongside Bam Adebayo, Herro, and Jaquez.
To make the trade work financially, Miami would need to match Ingram’s incoming salary. He is set to earn over $36 million in the final season of his five-year, $158 million contract in 2024-25. The Heat’s best trade assets for salary matching include players like Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro, meaning a multi-player deal would likely be necessary. One complication, however, is that the Pelicans are in desperate need of a center, and the Heat are unlikely to part with Adebayo. This could mean Miami would need to involve a third team to make the trade viable, potentially complicating negotiations.
Though there are hurdles to clear, acquiring Ingram could position the Heat for sustained success beyond Butler’s tenure.
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