The NBA is roughly a quarter of its way through the season, and as a result, trade rumors are starting to warm up. That’s the natural cycle of the league as contenders are looking to take that next step toward a title while struggling teams look to bolster their long-term outlook.
Expect one huge name to be in the trade rumors in the coming months: Heat forward Jimmy Butler. The Heat are “open to listening to offers” for Butler as long as the price is right, per ESPN’s Shams Charania
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Three West contenders were listed as potential landing spots, per Charania, citing Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee. The Rockets, Mavericks and Warriors are all being considered as they could use a playmaking wing like Butler who plays on both sides of the ball. The Mavs are coming off an NBA Finals appearance while the Warriors are off to a strong start at 14-9. The Rockets have been one of the surprises of the NBA thus far this season as they’re 16-8 and led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka.
Butler, 35, is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the Heat this season. Miami is currently 12-10, which is good enough for fifth in the East. At his age, though, it’s no surprise Butler wants to land with a contender for a chance to win his first NBA championship.
The Heat have been the Celtics' main rival in the East playoffs. The two teams have met in four of the last five playoffs, with three of those coming in the East Finals. The C’s beat the Heat in five games in the first round last season.
Now, it looks like the Heat are looking to go in another direction after the Butler era, which has produced two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. Regardless, that’s a big name in the trade market going forward as Butler’s destination could boost a contender.