Jimmy Butler’s time with the Miami Heat is nearing its end, and it isn’t a secret anymore. After several impressive seasons, Butler has pushed hard for a max extension, leaning on the $52.4 million player option tied to the upcoming season. However, Heat President Pat Riley has shown little interest in meeting those demands and Butler’s contract situation has led to open discord following some under-the-radar friction.
Butler has openly voiced his frustration, stating that he no longer finds “joy” playing in Miami. The situation reached a boiling point when the Heat suspended him for seven games due to conduct deemed detrimental to the team. At this stage, it seems increasingly likely that Butler’s chapter with Miami is coming to a close, and the options for the Heat include moving their best player to re-tool their roster around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
The Heat hold an 18-17 record which is currently good for a playoff spot, but they are only 2.5 games behind the fourth seed. Moving Jimmy Butler for an impact star or capable player right now would push the Heat into potential championship contention again.
Primary – De’Aaron Fox, Jonathan Kuminga, Zion Williamson
The Miami Heat’s focus on acquiring De’Aaron Fox, Jonathan Kuminga, or Zion Williamson represents a bold attempt to retool their roster with game-changing talent. Fox, the electrifying guard from the Sacramento Kings, is a primary target due to his incredible blend of speed, scoring, and leadership.
Averaging 26.7 PPG and 6.2 APG this season, Fox would instantly energize the Heat’s offense and provide a younger, dynamic complement to Bam Adebayo. Fox’s ability to attack the paint and create for others would fill a critical void left by Butler’s likely departure, while his clutch-time performance (70 total points in clutch moments, third in the league) fits perfectly with Miami’s competitive DNA. It is no wonder why the Heat have shown interest in the speedy point guard.
Jonathan Kuminga, meanwhile, offers youth and versatility. The former No. 7 pick is averaging 16.8 PPG and 5.0 RPG in only 10 starts this season and has showcased the defensive potential Miami craves. At just 22, Kuminga has room to grow into a star under Erik Spoelstra’s system, and his athleticism would allow the Heat to maintain their physical identity.
Zion Williamson is undoubtedly the biggest swing. Despite ongoing durability concerns, his 24.6 PPG on 58.8% shooting over his career makes him one of the most dominant paint scorers in the league when healthy. Pairing Williamson with Adebayo could create the most physically imposing frontcourt in basketball, capable of overwhelming opponents on both ends. However, trading for Zion comes with inherent risk, as the Heat would be banking on his ability to stay healthy—a gamble Riley may be willing to take for superstar upside.
Secondary – Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram
Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram offer proven scoring ability and the potential to elevate the Heat into a higher playoff tier. LaVine, averaging 23.1 PPG while shooting 44.7% from three, is one of the league’s most dynamic scorers and would immediately address Miami’s offensive inconsistencies.
His ability to play off Adebayo and Herro as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker makes him an attractive option, even though his defensive liabilities could raise concerns. We have proposed a very interesting three-team trade that sends LaVine to Miami and it might just be a great backup option for the Heat.
Brandon Ingram provides a different kind of appeal and we have proposed what a trade sending him to Miami could look like. A smooth scorer averaging 22.2 PPG on 46.5% shooting, Ingram has the size (6’8”), versatility, and poise to seamlessly fit into Miami’s system. He’s capable of taking over games offensively while also being a decent passer (5.2 APG), which would help compensate for Butler’s departure. Ingram’s familiarity with high-pressure situations as a centerpiece of New Orleans’ playoff runs also makes him a comfortable fit in Miami’s no-nonsense culture.
Both LaVine and Ingram would come with high price tags, likely costing Miami multiple assets, including draft picks and players like Tyler Herro or Caleb Martin. However, both are stars who could be the missing piece for a team looking to stay competitive in the East.
Avoid – Khris Middleton, Cameron Johnson, Buddy Hield
Trading for Khris Middleton would be a mistake for the Heat, especially if it costs them Butler. Middleton, while still productive (12.7 PPG, 5.0 APG this season), is clearly past his prime and has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons. His $31.7 million salary would cripple Miami’s flexibility without bringing the impact they need to contend for titles. The Heat shouldn’t mortgage their future for a player who can’t carry the same load as Butler.
Cameron Johnson might seem like a good addition at first glance, but he’s an overrated asset in this context. Averaging a career-high 19.5 PPG on 43.6% shooting from three with the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson is a capable role player but lacks the star power Miami needs. Trading for him would feel like settling for mediocrity, especially in a market where Miami could aim higher.
Buddy Hield’s proposed trade with the Warriors for Jimmy Butler is another deal Miami should avoid. While Hield’s sharpshooting (38.4% from three) is enticing, he’s a defensive liability who doesn’t fit Miami’s rugged identity. Plus, his skill set is redundant with Herro, making the fit awkward and the trade unnecessary.
Alternative – Andrew Wiggins, Michael Porter Jr., Marcus Smart
Andrew Wiggins is a logical fallback option for Miami if they trade Butler. The Warriors wing remains one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders and has proven his ability to shine on the big stage, as evidenced by his performance in the 2022 NBA Finals. Wiggins is averaging 16.4 PPG and 4.4 RPG while shooting 39.4% from three, making him a reliable two-way option. However, his $26.3 million salary could limit Miami’s ability to build around him effectively, making this more of a short-term solution.
Michael Porter Jr. presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. While his shooting (41.9% from three) and scoring upside (19.0 PPG) make him an attractive fit alongside Adebayo and Herro, his defensive limitations and injury history are concerns. If the Nuggets were willing to include Porter Jr. in a potential deal for Butler, Miami might consider it, but this would feel like a consolation prize compared to their primary targets.
Marcus Smart could be an intriguing addition to any potential Grizzlies deal. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 9.2 PPG and 3.8 APG while remaining one of the league’s toughest perimeter defenders. His championship experience and leadership would bring valuable intangibles to the Heat, but he lacks the offensive firepower needed to replace Butler’s production.
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