The Miami Heat are welcoming trade offers for star forward Jimmy Butler after the team’s 12-10 start this season.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Miami is listening to offers for the six-time All-Star who is said to prefer a win-now contender as his destination.
The decision comes despite Miami tying together three straight wins over impressive opposition in the Lakers, Suns, and Cavaliers in their recent outings.
Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, indicated in NBA circles that Butler has named the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors as ideal landing spots, per ESPN.
A move to the Rockets would not only cater to Butler’s H-Town roots but place him with a hungry squad finding their stride this season. With young stars Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green at the forefront, head coach Ime Udoka has spearheaded the Rockets to a 16-8 start, sitting third in the West.
Houston also has veteran players Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams, who may present trade value for Butler.
The Miami Heat are listening to trade offers for star Jimmy Butler after a slow start this season
Sitting below the Rockets are the Mavericks who share the same record and are fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.
Adding Butler would build a formidable Big 3 alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic as the Mavs look to win the Western Conference again.
The Warriors sit sixth at 14-9 with poster boy Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. After Klay Thompson’s exit, the Dubs have leaned on recently acquired Buddy Hield and veteran Andrew Wiggins to lift the weight.
However, a move for Butler may mean Hield may be leaving the Bay Area after making a splash upon his arrival.
Butler is in his sixth season with the Heat after spending his first six years in Chicago and making pitstops in Minnesota and Philadelphia. The Marquette product memorably led Miami to the Finals in 2020 and 2023 where he lost to the Lakers and Nuggets, respectively.
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