NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat $49 million All-Star reportedly open to offers from Rockets and Warriors
Jimmy Butler is once again in the thick of the NBA's trade rumors. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Miami Heat are open to listening to trade offers for the six-time All-Star.
However, securing Butler won't come cheap as the Miami Heat and Pat Riley are expected to maximize the potential return for their star forward. Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, had indicated he is open to being traded to three teams: the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.
“The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, league sources told ESPN, and Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks) and the Golden State Warriors,” Charania wrote on Tuesday.
Butler's player option for the 2025-26 season is set to expire, which is likely the main reason the Heat are reportedly willing to listen to trade offers. If Butler is dealt, it could be a painful blow to the Heat as he has taken them to five straight playoff appearances and reached the NBA finals twice.
Moving to the Rockets would make them a force in the Western Conference, where they are fourth in the standings. Dallas is another possible destination for Butler, and pairing him with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would form one of the best trios in the league.
His other choice, the Golden State Warriors, doesn't have the fear factor they once had in the West. The Dubs need a star player to complement veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and Butler fits the description.
What next for Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat amid trade rumors?
Jimmy Butler being in the trade rumor mill isn't new, but if it happens, it will improve whichever team he's dealt to. With the trade period opening on Dec. 15, his three reported destinations are all in good form and it could be an ideal path for him to finally win an NBA ring.
Butler will earn $48.7 million this season, per Spotrac. He had earlier indicated his intentions not to sign a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign.
This season, he is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The Miami Heat are 12-10 and fifth in the Eastern Conference.