Few things in the NBA create more of a stir than when a star-caliber player has even a mildly realistic chance of being traded. And while the Miami Heat are just over a quarter of the way into the 2024-25 season, the latest report has left Jimmy Butler teetering on the edge of the trade block.
ESPN's Shams Charania first reported that the Heat are "open to listening to offers for Butler." He also cited that Miami would make a deal "if the proposal is right," while Charania reports that Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, indicated that Butler is open to joining the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors.
Butler's apparent preferred destinations aren't surprising, but according to the latest tidbit, the 35-year-old may not want to start packing his bags just yet.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler finds himself at the center of trade talks early in the 2024-25 NBA season. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Ordinarily, the Heat would find themselves in a less-than-ideal position based on Butler having the freedom to leave in free agency after the season.
However, as Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported, the Heat's mindset on Butler's potential impending free agency isn't what you'd likely expect.
According to the report, the Heat is "not concerned" about possibly losing Butler in free agency.
"Nevertheless, a source with direct knowledge has said the Heat is not concerned about the possibility of losing Butler in free agency if it comes to that, partly because there's no contender with the cap space to sign Butler outright without the Heat's help in a sign-and-trade."
While this may not initially seem like a big deal, it could greatly increase the Heat's willingness to hold out for a worthwhile trade. If Miami is willing to let Butler walk in free agency, it'll only strengthen the front office's hand regarding trade talks.
This situation could lead to some push-and-pull over who has leverage between Butler and the team. However, Miami's reported mindset certainly doesn't signal that they'll be in any rush to move the six-time All-Star unless the offer really moves the needle for Pat Riley and company.
Considering the Golden State Warriors' lack of interest in moving Jonathan Kuminga and the Houston Rockets' determination to keep their core together, the Butler trade talks could ultimately prove to be a very long process.
Related: Miami Heat Linked With Trade For 26-year-old All-Star Guard
Copyright 2024 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 1:59 AM.