The Miami Heat are entering a pivotal season. Jimmy Butler has led the team to two NBA Finals appearances since 2020, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season. With Butler holding a player option after the 2024-25 season and no extension on the horizon, his future in Miami is uncertain. He’s expected to play out the current deal and make a decision next summer.
But what happens if things go south? The Heat have been stuck in the Play-In Tournament for the past two seasons, and it’s possible they could face the same fate again. Miami’s biggest offseason move was drafting Kel’el Ware in the middle of the first round, and the annual GM survey wasn’t optimistic about their prospects. With Butler missing time last season and the team struggling without him, there’s reason for concern.
If Butler decides to request a trade before the deadline, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s done so. At 35 years old, his window for winning a championship is closing, and several teams would be eager to acquire him. Here are six realistic trade destinations for the Heat’s star.
### 6. Brooklyn Nets
While it might seem unlikely since the Nets are heading toward a rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges, rumors have surfaced suggesting they could be interested. Brooklyn has plenty of cap space and could potentially add another star in the 2025 offseason if they decide to speed up their rebuild.
The Nets recently tried building around star power with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but that experiment ended in disaster. There would understandably be hesitancy from the front office to make a similar move, especially since acquiring a 35-year-old Butler would shorten their competitive window. However, Butler would draw fans and help them win games, even though it’s unlikely to result in a championship run.
If Butler is looking for a ring, Brooklyn might not be his best option. His focus should be on joining a legitimate contender or a team on the rise.
### 5. Houston Rockets
Houston is actively looking for a star and will likely be linked to many big names. The Rockets have a wealth of young talent and draft assets, and they’re waiting for the right opportunity to become contenders.
The timelines between Butler and the Rockets’ young core don’t exactly align. Butler will be nearing 40 years old by the time players like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr. reach their primes. Trading for Butler would be Houston’s way of pushing all in now, hoping their young players are ready to elevate their games while Butler still has some gas left in the tank.
This trade scenario isn’t ideal for the Rockets, as they should aim for a star that better matches their timeline. Still, if Butler pushes for a move, Houston could be in the mix.
### 4. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks brought in Dejounte Murray to be Trae Young’s co-star, but the pairing hasn’t led to much success since their 2021 conference finals appearance. Atlanta has talented young players, including Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in 2024, and rising star Jalen Johnson. If both players break out this season, Atlanta might look for a way to improve their playoff chances by trading for Butler.
While Butler might not be the cleanest fit alongside Young and Murray, he would raise the Hawks’ postseason ceiling. A trade between the Heat and a division rival like the Hawks is unlikely, but crazier things have happened. If Atlanta makes the best offer, Miami might have to consider it, especially if Butler’s departure is inevitable.
### 3. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have locked up their core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, but there are questions about whether this group fits together. Cleveland has made the playoffs in consecutive years but has won only one series. Their two undersized guards and two non-shooting big men make for awkward lineups, leading some to speculate about potential changes.
Butler could be the missing piece for Cleveland, and trading Garland to Miami might interest the Heat. Garland, a 24-year-old All-Star, could pair well with Bam Adebayo in Miami’s pick-and-roll game, benefiting both teams.
The Cavaliers could become serious contenders if they trade for Butler. Whether Cleveland’s front office is willing to break up its current core for a shot at a title remains to be seen, but it’s a scenario worth considering.
### 2. Los Angeles Lakers
Butler owns a large offseason home near San Diego, so there’s speculation about whether he might want to make California his permanent residence. The Lakers are always in the market for star power, and Butler could be the third star LeBron James needs for one final championship push.
However, making this trade work financially would be tricky. The Lakers are just $45,000 under the second tax apron, and Miami has limited financial flexibility as well. Both teams would need to send out more money than they take in, likely requiring a third team to facilitate the trade.
Still, the Lakers’ future draft picks hold significant value, especially with LeBron nearing 40. Pat Riley could be interested in those picks, either to use or to trade for another star. This trade isn’t far-fetched, and it will certainly be discussed if Butler becomes available.
### 1. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are looking for a second star to pair with Stephen Curry as they aim for another championship run. However, they’re hard-capped at the first apron and just $533,649 below the limit, meaning a trade for Butler would require careful financial maneuvering and possibly a third team.
Butler’s style doesn’t align perfectly with Golden State’s preference for spacing and three-point shooting, but he could provide the consistent scoring punch the team needs, especially with Klay Thompson no longer in the mix. Steve Kerr could find ways to maximize Butler’s talents, but would it be enough to make the Warriors title contenders?
Golden State could be one of the teams to take a gamble on a marquee talent, and if Butler becomes available, they might make a move to give Curry a chance at a fifth ring.
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The Miami Heat are facing tough decisions about their future. Will Jimmy Butler remain the centerpiece of their plans, or is it time to move on? If Butler becomes available, there won’t be a shortage of suitors. The future of the franchise hangs in the balance, and it will be fascinating to see how it all unfolds. Stay tuned.
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