Can Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat get back on compatible terms?
In the words of Butler himself: “probably not.” Following a Thursday night report indicating Butler’s desire for a trade, and a subsequent Friday statement from the Heat announcing his seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team,” it seems Butler’s time in South Beach is drawing to a close.
At 35 years old, Butler is currently averaging a modest 17.6 points per game, the lowest since the 2013-14 season. With unrestricted free agency looming this summer, any team willing to take a chance on him could find themselves reaping significant rewards in the postseason.
Here are the three best trade fits for Butler:
The No. 2-seeded Memphis Grizzlies are currently excelling, but they have a history of falling short in the playoffs. The 2021-22 season and the one that followed ended with disappointing first- and second-round exits. Memphis might consider acquiring Butler to finally overcome these obstacles.
Leading the NBA in scoring at 123.5 points per game, the Grizzlies have a balanced attack that doesn’t lean heavily on any single player, including Ja Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. has emerged as an All-NBA player, while Desmond Bane continues to develop as a versatile scorer. Rookie Zach Edey has made an immediate impact, and players like Santi Aldama and Jaylen Wells are showing promise.
Memphis could offer Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, and a 2026 first-round pick to Miami for Butler. While Smart and Clarke are key contributors to head coach Taylor Jenkins’ system, Butler would bring a much-needed isolation scoring option that has been lacking. In return, Miami would gain two solid rotation players and a future draft pick.
Nevertheless, the Grizzlies might hesitate to make a significant trade mid-season, choosing instead to see how the remainder of the season unfolds before pursuing Butler or a similar talent in the offseason.
The Orlando Magic, currently 21-15, have managed to stay competitive despite injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. However, their success could be short-lived if they don’t bolster their roster at the trade deadline. This is where Butler could come into play.
Orlando ranks second in the league for points allowed at 103.4 per game but sits last in scoring at 105.6. Adding Butler would enhance their defensive prowess while providing a much-needed offensive boost. With both Wagner and Banchero expected to return soon, a scoring trio of Banchero, Butler, and Wagner could become a formidable force.
This trio would be supported by veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter Jr., and the emerging Jalen Suggs. Butler could be the final piece needed to transform the Magic into serious contenders for an NBA championship.
The Houston Rockets are also on the rise, and Butler could be the catalyst for their success.
Currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, Houston boasts a young core led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, enhanced by the signings of veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. It may be time for Ime Udoka’s squad to make a bold move.
A potential trade could involve Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. (currently sidelined with a hand injury), and Steven Adams for Butler. While Smith was a promising No. 3 pick, he has struggled to find his place in Houston’s deep roster. The Heat could provide him with the opportunity to develop while gaining an immediate starter in Brooks. This trade would position Houston as a serious title contender while allowing Miami to pivot effectively.
Should Butler opt out after this season, the Rockets would be well-positioned to retain him. They also have the resources to execute additional significant trades, making Butler’s acquisition just the beginning of their plans for success.
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