Miami Heat should trade Jimmy Butler to these 3 teams only
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler reportedly named the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors his preferred trade destinations. Per Shams Charania, the Heat are listening to offers and could agree to a trade if “the proposal is right.” Butler wants to remain in contention for a championship, while the Heat don’t want a full rebuild.
Butler doesn't have a no-trade clause, so Miami can decide which team it wants to send the six-time All-Star to. Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley could force Butler to play somewhere else for the right price.
A Suns trade would likely involve Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause. Beal could help the Miami Heat contend for a playoff spot, but if Big Panda doesn’t like South Beach, trade talks might not go far.
The Dallas Mavericks don’t want to break up the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving pairing. Miami isn't likely to agree to a trade possibly centered on Klay Thompson and PJ Washington. The Heat could look for a better haul for its versatile forward.
List of teams the Miami Heat could send Jimmy Butler to
#3 Houston Rockets
The Miami Heat could send Jimmy Butler back to his hometown by trading him to the Houston Rockets.
Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Dillon Brooks and at least a first-round pick could be enough starting points for a trade talk. Green and Tate are on expiring contracts, giving the Heat $15 million in extra space next season. Whitmore, Holiday and Brooks could be good fits in Miami.
Butler could give Houston a big boost in playmaking and scoring. If the Rockets want to contend in the West, a veteran who has led his team to the NBA Finals twice would be a significant addition. Moving on from Holiday and Brooks would open more minutes for Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson. The scenario looks like a win-win one for both teams.
#2 OKC Thunder
If Jimmy Butler wants to win now, he might be the final piece of the puzzle in Oklahoma. The OKC Thunder, which have 15 first-round picks until 2030, could outbid anyone for Jimmy Buckets. Mark Daigneault’s team, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, will be favorites to win the championship.
Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace and at least a first-rounder could be tough for Pat Riley to turn down. The four players are young, play defense well and can shoot, so they could be perfect for the Miami Heat culture.
Oklahoma has four first-round picks in the loaded 2025 NBA draft. If Riley can convince the Thunder to part ways with at least one of them, the Heat could give Jimmy Butler a change of scenery.
#1 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors opened the trading season by sending De’Anthony Melton to the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schroder. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. is reportedly looking to make another move. If he does, swinging for the fences for Jimmy Butler might be on the cards.
The Miami Heat could ask for Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II and at least a first-round pick. Erik Spoelstra could keep the Heat a contender with the players the Dubs could send for Jimmy Buckets.
Jimmy Butler would be invaluable with his defense, scoring and all-around play. Kerr would get a proven reliable option in clutch situations on both ends of the floor, while Butler could win a championship in his first season with the Dubs.