What If Miami Heat Stayed With Josh Richardson Instead Of Getting Jimmy Butler

It seems like ever since 2019, NBA fans wonder about the possible outcomes of Jimmy Butler staying with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of being traded to the Miami Heat.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps discussed the impact of the trade for both teams. He called the Sixers' trade a “disastrous decision.”

Bontemps even insisted Philadelphia would have made the 2021 Finals, saying Butler’s production would overcome Ben Simmons’ lackluster performances.

“The Sixers, instead of the Heat, would be the most dominant team in the East behind Butler and [Joel] Embiid,” Bontemps wrote.

Meanwhile, he said the Heat would have continued their streak of mediocrity, leading president Pat Riley to eventually retire.

“Without him, Miami flounders in the play-in mix over the past few seasons, failing to find the sort of star necessary to have the success the Heat have had with Butler,” Bontemps said.

Both predictions are bold, but the base of his statements remain mostly true. We’ll never know exactly what would’ve happened if Butler stayed, but the state of each team would likely differ.

Embiid, who was yet to make a conference finals, would benefit from having Butler on the team. Embiid has struggled in the playoffs without Butler, who would likely propel the 76ers further.

The Heat would lack a true superstar after making their Josh Richardson their key piece. They also boasted Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic but lacked a game-changer and leader. Considering Butler’s carry jobs the last postseasons, it’s impossible to imagine the Heat going to the Finals without him.

Thankfully, this never happened for Heat fans. The team has enjoyed success over the past few years. It has been the opposite for Sixers fans, who will probably have to hear this scenario a million times.

Especially if Butler gets a ring first.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.