Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Insider exposes one critical factor that could shape Pat Riley's decision
Right now, it seems highly unlikely that the Miami Heat wind up signing Jimmy Butler to a max extension this summer. While the six-time All-Star is playing well, and has been shooting a career-best 55% from the field this season, if he opts out of the final year of his deal, reports have suggested Miami will double down on their decision to decline Butler's request for a max extension.
The way David Aldridge, who wrote an op-ed for The Athletic this week discussing the situation, sees things, whether or not Miami trades Butler comes down to one factor: What the Heat can get in return.
As Alrdrige wrote, and other NBA insiders like Shams Charania have reported over the past week, the Heat are open to hearing offers for Butler. According to Charania, Golden State, Phoenix and Houston are all on the table, however, as both insiders reported, no actual offers have been made.
Given that Miami has shown little interest in signing Jimmy Butler to a max extension, there's a very real possibility that he walks in free agency. Instead, if front office maestro Pat Riley can orchestrate a deal that will put the Heat in a chance to compete for a title, or build for the future, a trade seems likely.
As Aldridge wrote:
"If moving Butler brings back players that give Miami more of a shot, the Heat will engage."
Looking at some of the latest rumors surrounding a Jimmy Butler trade
Over the past week, there has been no shortage of teams showing an interest in Jimmy Butler. As previously mentioned, the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns are all teams that have been linked to the Heat star.
In the case of Golden State, it appears as though any sort of a deal would have to include Andrew Wiggins, and another young player. From the sounds of things, as corroborated by Aldridge's reporting, Golden State seems to be an unlikely destination for Butler.
Similarly, in the case of the Suns, while there has been a lot of buzz surrounding a trade, one would likely require Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause.
In the case of the Mavericks, the team is eager to make a deep postseason run once again, however, with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement's second-apron rules, Dallas may have their hands tied.
With plenty of uncertainties surrounding this situation, only time will tell how things play out between now and February's trade deadline.