There isn’t a secret anymore that the situation between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat is at an all-time worst. Following the uncomfortable situation that Pat Riley caused with Butler at the end of last season, it got worse this season after trade rumors swirled around Butler following their disagreements on the roster that led to a seven-game suspension for the player.
To make matters worse, it seems the Heat will want to trade Butler as soon as possible, and that is not how many of us expected this story to end. Regardless, this is the reality, and it is time for everyone to move on.
Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is going through a similar situation regarding trade rumors, although the scene isn’t nearly as bad in Sacramento. The Kings fired Mike Brown, and the team is struggling on the court with a 16-19 record.
Fox is attracting interest from multiple teams, and we might have a trade that would keep the point guard in Sacramento alongside a new teammate, Jimmy Butler.
We propose a trade idea that sends Butler to Sacramento to form a new Big Three with Fox and center Domantas Sabonis, and let’s get into how that would work.
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter, Devin Carter, 2025 Second-Round Pick (CHI), 2027 Second-Round Pick
Sacramento Kings Re-Tool With A Championship Core
The Sacramento Kings have been teetering on the edge of playoff contention for years, and while they’ve shown flashes of potential, their inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel. Bringing in Jimmy Butler would instantly elevate their franchise from a fringe playoff team to a legitimate contender.
Butler’s reputation as one of the NBA’s premier two-way players makes him a perfect complement to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. This season, despite a turbulent situation, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while maintaining his trademark intensity on both ends of the floor.
Adding Butler to the roster gives the Kings a leader who thrives in high-pressure situations, something the franchise desperately needs. Butler has consistently shown the ability to step up when it matters most, as evidenced by his heroic performances in recent postseasons.
With his defensive prowess and clutch scoring, the Kings would address two major weaknesses—late-game execution and perimeter defense. Moreover, Haywood Highsmith, a scrappy defender shooting 42.4% from three-point range, adds depth and versatility to Sacramento’s rotation.
De’Aaron Fox, averaging 26.7 points and 6.2 assists per game, finally gets a co-star who matches his competitive fire. Sabonis (20.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists) would benefit from Butler’s presence as well, with the team’s offensive flow likely improving due to Butler’s playmaking and off-ball movement. Together, this trio forms a balanced core capable of competing with the league’s elite.
Sacramento’s front office is making a bold statement with this trade: they’re done being patient. By sacrificing Kevin Huerter’s shooting and a couple of future picks, the Kings are betting on their current roster’s ability to deliver immediate results. With Butler in the fold, the Kings are primed to become a Western Conference powerhouse.
Miami Heat Move Butler For Some Strong Pieces
The Miami Heat’s decision to move on from Jimmy Butler is bittersweet but necessary given the current tensions. In return, they acquire DeMar DeRozan, one of the league’s most reliable scorers who has not found a way to impact the Kings. He is putting up 20.8 points per game on an efficient 49.2% shooting.
DeRozan’s mid-range game and veteran leadership would ease the transition for Miami while providing a new offensive focal point. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates makes him a natural fit alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Kevin Huerter’s addition gives Miami a much-needed three-point specialist to address their spacing issues. Shooting a career 37.6% from deep this season, Huerter can thrive in Erik Spoelstra’s offense by playing off Adebayo’s passing and Herro’s drives.
He would bring a new dimension to the Heat’s perimeter attack, giving them the firepower they’ve lacked in recent years. Devin Carter, meanwhile, is an intriguing prospect known for his defensive intensity, adding youthful energy to the roster.
The draft picks Miami receives—second-rounders in 2025 and 2027—offer future flexibility. While they’re not high-value assets, the Heat have a knack for maximizing draft capital, and these selections could be used in subsequent deals. Losing Butler undoubtedly stings, but this trade positions Miami to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference while replenishing their depth.
The Heat also avoid a complete teardown by bringing in players who can contribute immediately. DeRozan, Huerter, and Carter give the team a mix of proven talent and potential, ensuring Miami stays relevant in a wide-open East. It’s not the ideal outcome for Heat fans, but it’s a smart move given the circumstances.
A Blockbuster Trade That Makes Kings Major Winners
This trade cements the Sacramento Kings as legitimate championship contenders for the first time in decades. Jimmy Butler’s arrival transforms the Kings into a defensive powerhouse while adding a much-needed closer to their roster. His playoff experience, leadership, and ability to elevate his game on the biggest stages make him the ideal addition to a Kings team looking to break through.
Sacramento’s new Big Three of Butler, Fox, and Sabonis would immediately rank among the best trios in the league. Fox, already one of the NBA’s most explosive guards, will thrive alongside Butler’s gritty, unselfish style. Meanwhile, Sabonis, one of the most skilled passing big men in the game, would find even more opportunities with Butler’s off-ball movement and ability to attract double-teams. This trio addresses all facets of the game: scoring, defense, and playmaking.
Adding Butler also signals a cultural shift for the Kings. His fiery demeanor and relentless work ethic set the tone for a team that has long struggled with consistency. Butler’s presence will demand accountability from his teammates, pushing the Kings to reach their full potential. Surrounding their core with role players like Keegan Murray gives Sacramento the depth needed to contend with powerhouses like the Nuggets and Suns.
This blockbuster trade solidifies Sacramento’s status as a force in the Western Conference. It’s a gamble, but one worth taking for a franchise that hasn’t seen championship glory in decades. By pulling the trigger on this deal, the Kings are no longer a team of the future—they’re a team of the present, ready to compete for a title now.
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