We’re several months out from the trade deadline and major slop has already rocked the NBA-sphere. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Miami Heat are open to listening to offers for multi-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in his latest Inside Pass.
Brand new Inside Pass on ESPN:
– Heat open to listening to offers for Jimmy Butler
– Brandon Ingram, Pelicans navigate trade/extension routes
And much more... https://t.co/QEtcmOY5iM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Starting off with the headlining news — Jimmy Butler. Charania detailed possibilities and details in the current situation:
“The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, league sources told ESPN, and Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks) and the Golden State Warriors. Butler is a native of Houston, Texas. Above all, though, he is believed to prefer a win-now title contender in any trade. Teams have also been informed that Butler intends to opt out of his deal in the offseason and become a free agent, sources said. The Heat have hovered around the play-in tournament over the last two seasons, and with Butler’s contractual status, they have been open-minded to trade inquiries.”
It’s no surprise that two Texas teams are in the mix, given Butler’s Houston roots. Both the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are playoff-caliber squads, albeit at very different stages. The Mavericks, fresh off a Finals appearance, are poised for another strong postseason run. They’ve been searching for a wing since trading Dorian Finney-Smith, and Butler could fill that role seamlessly. However, integrating him alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving — two other ball-dominant stars — would require significant midseason adjustments.
The Rockets, meanwhile, are a team on the rise. After enduring several tough seasons, they’ve climbed to third place in the competitive Western Conference and boast a core of promising young talent. Reports suggest they’ve been searching for a veteran wing for some time, with past links to stars like Paul George and Kevin Durant. Butler would fit well with their starting lineup, though at 35 years old, he isn’t exactly aligned with the long-term timeline of their youthful core.
Charania detailed the following with the Golden State Warriors:
“Sources said the Warriors are looking to add a star player — a playmaker, scorer — alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Golden State pursued Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen and Paul George as a free agent last offseason, and is expected to remain aggressive this deadline. A telltale moment happened for the Warriors on Friday night, when Curry, Green and coach Steve Kerr spoke about this being fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga’s time to take the mantle and Green accepted a bench role for Kuminga to start at power forward.
Rival executives are surely keeping an eye on Kuminga’s play, as he is set to be a restricted free agent in July. In his career, Kuminga has played 30 minutes or more in 41 games, averaging 20 points, 54% field goal shooting and 40% from 3. He has played 30 minutes or more in two of the past three games — including a 33-point performance on Dec. 5 against the Rockets and then 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals versus the Timberwolves on Dec. 8. In 191 games with less than 30 minutes of action, his averages are 10.5 points, 50% shooting and 32% from 3.
The next two months leading up to the February deadline will shape the Warriors’ present and future. Will the star they’re seeking be found internally with Kuminga — or externally?”
Lastly, the Golden State Warriors have been searching for a star to complement an aging Stephen Curry. Similar to the Rockets, they have enticing young assets to offer, including Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Brandon Podziemski. Butler aligns with Curry’s timeline and would give the Warriors their most versatile wing since Durant.
Assuming Pat Riley abides by Butler’s wishes, it seems like he’ll be headed out West when/if a trade happens — which is good news for the Sixers and any team in the Eastern Conference.
Charania also included intel on other key trade deadline candidates, starting with the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets:
“The Nets have received trade interest and opened exploratory conversations around forwards Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Dennis Schroder, sources said. Brooklyn has amassed significant cap and asset flexibility — an NBA-high $60-plus million in salary cap space next summer and 12 first-round picks and 11 second-round picks eligible for trade — to position the franchise for the future. After trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks last summer, the Nets were looked at as a seller.
The Warriors are among the teams that have expressed interest in those three players, sources said. The 31-year-old Schroder is having a standout season on a $13 million salary, averaging 18.6 points and 6.5 assists.
Rival teams believe the Warriors are open to using injured guard De’Anthony Melton’s $12.8 million expiring salary along with draft incentives to make a potential deal for that salary range.”
All three of Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder are in the midst of their primes, and don’t fit the timeline of a team who is just starting their rebuild. Tall wings who can defend or shoot are always in demand, so moving Johnson or Finney-Smith shouldn’t be a challenge. Schroder, meanwhile, is having one of his best statistical seasons and is likely to attract interest from multiple teams.
Shifting focus onto two other young rebuilds — the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards. Charania stated the following:
Portland Trail Blazer
Multiple teams have begun expressing interest in a group of Portland’s veterans — Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III — as the Trail Blazers make decisions on the roster, sources said.
Washington Wizards
Several contending teams are expected to pursue Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, sources said. Kuzma, a proven NBA champion on the 2020 Lakers, is in the second season of a four-year, $100 million deal. The 6-foot-9, versatile Kuzma has averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season.”
It seems like Jerami Grant has been linked as a trade candidate since he signed his extension with Portland. It makes plenty of sense to move him given he’s a player that shines with the ball in his hands and doesn’t fit their timeline whatsoever. Robert Williams III is an intriguing trade candidate. He’s been battling injuries for a long time, and has finally gotten back on the court and has produced well. Moving him would open up even more playing time for their rookie, Donovan Clingan.
A somewhat surprising name on the trade radar is Anfernee Simons. Though still relatively young and a proven player, he finds himself in a crowded Portland backcourt with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe competing for minutes. Given the right role or situation, he could seriously help a team.
In a far less surprising development, the Washington Wizards are reportedly looking to move Kyle Kuzma. With several teams already expressing interest, keeping Kuzma doesn’t align with the Wizards’ current rebuilding trajectory.
That’s a lot of trade chatter to take in for early December, but it sets the stage for what could be an exciting and eventful trade deadline. As teams position themselves for the playoff push or future rebuilds, expect the speculation and deals to only heat up from here.