NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Sometimes, when you want out of a relationship, you must be loud about it. In the case of the Miami Heat and star Jimmy Butler, we have reached that point. After weeks of rumbles about him wanting out of South Beach Butler spoke for himself and let his true feelings be known. Pat Riley was telling us how he had no intentions of trading the veteran and some called BS on NBA insider Shams Charania when he first broke the news, even Butlers’ agent said there was no truth to the rumor and now here we are. So I am sure Charania sat back and sipped a cold one when he watched Butler express his real feelings last night. The cat is truly out of the bag and the question becomes where does he land, and who needs him? Jimmy Butler is still a very good defender and has shown he is not afraid of the big moments. Here are some teams that jumped out to me as possible new homes for Butler.
Houston Rockets:
The Rockets have a boatload of young pieces that would fit into the Heat Culture and maybe give the potential we have been waiting for. It would be a homecoming for Butler and that sometimes gives players a serious jolt. For Houston, the important thing is not to give up the farm for the All-Star and keep their depth and versatility. A name like Jabari Smith pops into my head and no way they let Jalen Green go as he is one of the building blocks for the 3rd ranked team in the west. They also have draft picks that can be moved if that sweetens the pot. They have a lot to offer Miami and should be near the top of the list.
Golden State Warriors:
They REFUSE to let the championship window close and Draymond Green, and Steph Curry aren’t 22 anymore but are showing up nightly this season. What do they have that could spark the interest of the Heat you ask? Well, Curry needs help just go watch the Warriors offense when he’s on the bench and you will see what I’m talking about. On the defensive side, Butler along with Green would be a fun watch and a headache for the other side. Even at 35 when healthy he can still create his shot and would be a legit number 2 star behind the great one Steph Curry. Along with draft pick’s names that should be tossed around Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and potentially Brandin Podziemski or Moses Moody. For the Warriors to make a serious run at this thing they shouldn’t haggle over who stays or goes. If they grab Butlet that would give them 2-3 years to get after it before the 3 stars fade out and a rebuild starts. One thing to remember is that Butler won’t sign his player option and will want another big deal the last one he would get in his career.
OKC Thunder:
This would be a VERY risky move if the Thunder actually did it. First off they are playing good ball and top to bottom that roster is a tight-knit group. Adding an alpha like Jimmy Butler could tip the apple cart and ruin the work they put in to build this thing. Also, remember the Thunder are winning without all their weapons which says a lot about the culture and depth. Having a vet to go with all the kids could be a good thing and on defense, they would be one of the tops in the league on day one. But again so much to lose if it backfires.
Jimmy Butler: I’m happy here, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. right now I’m not doing that.
Question: Can you get your joy back here on the court?
Jimmy Butler: probably not pic.twitter.com/KfYGR4YFOP
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) January 3, 2025
Denver Nuggets:
Do they move on from Micheal Porter Jr. finally and add a stronger piece? Playing with an MVP would of course make life easier for Butler and keep him fresher for the playoff run. Out of all my picks this one might be the one that has no chance of happening but a man can dream right?
Phoenix Suns:
This is a team that many thought would be one of the top teams in not only the West but the NBA. Injuries and bad roster building have left them far short of those goals. This season has not changed that at all but it is early still and the season can be saved. Adding Jimmy Butler to a lineup with Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant sounds good. What will the Suns have to give up in the deal is the question. Will Bradley Beal waive his no trade clasue and do the Heat want him? The current Suns “Big 3” have not played a ton of game together.
Also, knowing Heat Culture would a guy like Beal who spends more time in street clothes than his uniform fit? And his monster contract gives major John Wall vibes yet another red flag for Miami. The math could be the final straw in killing any chance of this deal.
.@ShamsCharania says his understanding is the Heat felt like Jimmy Butler wasn’t “playing his hardest” which led to his official trade request 😯 pic.twitter.com/TUUnLGfS3u
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 3, 2025
Either way it appears that his time in Miami is over and this is a sad ending to an era that had lots of good times. From the run in the bubble to reaching the Finals verus the Denver Nuggets. Another team to keep an eye on is the Dallas Mavericks who could create thier own big 3. One question that has to be asked though is who is the issue the teams or Jimmy? We left the Bulls on rocking terms, the stint in Minnesota, and then the Sixers now Miami. Is it them or him? Stay tuned kids.
