Miami, FL.- Things are getting ugly FAST in South Beach.
Over the past few weeks, the Miami Heat’s superstar Small Forward Jimmy Butler has continuously expressed his displeasure with the team. Butler has been cited numerous times on “losing happiness” in the 305. Previously, Heat GM Pat Riley has stated that Miami will NOT be trading Butler, however the stance has begun to shift. On Friday, January 3rd, the Heat released a statement stating that they will be suspending Butler for 7 games due to “conduct detrimental to the team”, while also announcing they will be listening to Trade Offers for Jimmy Butler.
Since joining the Heat in 2019, Jimmy Butler solidified himself as one of the League’s superstars. The polarizing figure of “Playoff Jimmy” became an icon in the hearts of the whole population of South Florida. When the city needed him the most, Jimmy Butler rose to the occasion, taking over games while carrying the Heat to multiple playoff pushes and two NBA Finals appearances.
Unfortunately, Butler’s seen better days. At 35 years old, he stands as one of the oldest active players in the League. Over the past two seasons, Butler’s been sidelined due to numerous injuries, adding to his game’s degeneration.
Let’s talk contracts:
Butler does NOT have a no trade clause in his contract, meaning that the Heat can send him anywhere they want. Jimmy Buckets is currently in the final year of his contract, and would be expected to decline his $52 Million player option.
The writing is clearly on the wall, Jimmy Butler will be long gone by the February 6th Trade Deadline. Miami is now posed with two options on how to handle Butler, and they need to act fast. The Heat can either send him to a prime contending location, or they can send him straight to the depths of hell (the Pistons).
Any which way, the pressure is on the Heat to make a move on Butler. If they wait past the deadline, they officially lose out on any capital they could possibly obtain from the star. The entire NBA is well aware of Miami’s fast approaching deadline, which puts every team at an advantage over the Heat.
Without further ado, the entire New Era Prep staff broke down their ideal landing spots for Jimmy Butler, and how he could benefit that organization:
Christian Proscia + Ayden Apicella: Dallas Mavericks
Butler is no longer a #1 option on a championship team. He’s on the wrong side of 30, can’t stay healthy, and honestly hasn’t been the offensive weapon many Heat fans are used to seeing. However, Jimmy Butler is still an elite defender in this league. Putting Butler on this Mavs’ team allows more defensive security, while standing as a secondary scorer behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Isaac Edelman: Phoenix Suns
It would be a perfect win-win trade for both teams if Bradley Beal was involved. Butler says he would have joy playing basketball for any team other than the Heat, but realistically, he wants to go to a winning team. Butler would fit perfectly alongside KD and DBook. As far as the Heat go, they are going to start relying on the three point shot unlike past years when the Heat played inside the paint. Beal would be a perfect fit alongside Herro.
Marr WIlliams: Indiana Pacers
Like Christian previously stated, Butler’s biggest value comes defensively. Indiana has a talented young core nucleus, and Butler can provide veteran leadership in the front court. Most importantly, he would still stand as a second scoring option, as Tyrese Haliburton would serve as the Pacers’ #1 offensive option.
Alex Muniz + Deuntay Johnson: Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler going to Golden State would definitely be an interesting move. Outside of Steph Curry, the Warriors’ are in desperate need of an offensive powerhouse in order to remain in contention. Butler’s playstyle on both sides of the game would allow for more defensive fortitude, alongside potential for elite scoring production. This move would be extremely interesting for the Warriors, as they would potentially be giving up a young star in Jonathan Kuminga, loading up on veteran stars in the Bay Area.
Samantha Roseff + Angelina Martell: Houston Rockets
The Rockets have been in the midst of a rebuild over the past few seasons. Houston boasts an arsenal of young talent, desperate for some veteran leadership to mold the future of this franchise. Butler’s intensity would be a complete culture shock for the young core out in H-Town. As everyone else has said now, Jimmy would provide an upgrade in both shooting and defensively.
Chad Washington: Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis currently stands as the #2 seed in the Western Conference. Butler’s elite defensive abilities + an above average scoring output paired with how Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have played in the beginning portion of the season may be the boost Memphis needs to finally make a deep postseason push.
Cover Photo Credits: USA Today
