Inside The Heat

Heat Predicted To Gamble On Struggling All-Star In Blockbuster Trade Involving Jimmy Butler

Anthony Pasciolla|
Jan 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) warms-up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) warms-up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is set to return from his seven-game suspension Friday night against the Denver Nuggets.

Even with Butler expected to return to the lineup, the Heat's front office will continue to explore trades for the six-time All-Star. To avoid dealing with drama for the remainder of the season, Miami team president Pat Riley needs to find a win-now return package he's satisfied with. The problem is such an offer is yet to surface.

NBA analyst Bobby Marks of ESPN predicted the following three-team blockbuster deal could take place between the Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Detroit Pistons.

 Kings get: forward Jimmy Butler, guard Alec Burks

Heat get: forward DeMar DeRozan, guard Tim Hardaway Jr., 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected, via SAC)

Pistons get: guard Kevin Huerter, forward Trey Lyles, 2029 first-round pick swap option (via SAC)

If Riley's top priority is adding a player ready to compete for a championship, DeRozan checks that box. He is a 35-year-old, six-time All-Star with years of experience going head-to-head with LeBron James in the postseason. He is averaging 21.1 points and 3.9 assists on 47.9 percent shooting in 35 appearances this season with the Kings. The problem is Sacramento had championship-or-bust expectations entering the year, but instead, they are the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference with a 20-20 record.

Butler is built for the playoffs and, quite honestly, never looks happy to be on the court during the regular season. If the Kings remain laser-focused on competing with De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the charge, swapping DeRozan for Butler could work in their favor.

MORE HEAT NEWS

NBA Insider Reveals Jimmy Butler Hasn’t Opposed Trade To Eastern Conference Title Contender

Heat Match Stephen A. Smith’s Description Of Ideal Destination For All-Star Forward

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

Published
Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com