Three most teams that ought to win a championship and knock down Jimmy Butler’s door for signing to make.
If it wasn’t obvious already, Miami’s Jimmy Butler era seems to be coming to an end. The Heat are reportedly looking into possible trade options for the six-time Six All-Star.
Over the past few seasons, Butler has been a pillar of the Miami Heat, helping them advance to the NBA Finals twice out of the last five. With a 13-11 record, Miami is still competitive, but it’s clear that having Butler as a focal point has a limited ceiling, so it might be time for the Heat to start over.
Butler, who is 35 years old, still has a lot of energy and is capable of playing at the highest level when called upon. Here are some teams that should try to acquire Butler as the NBA Trade Deadline draws near. He would be a valuable addition to the rosters of many teams throughout the league.
With Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry might find a new wingman.
In the latter years of Stephen Curry’s career, the Golden State Warriors are making every effort to win another championship. In addition to having a number of pieces they could trade for another star, they have already agreed to buy Dennis Schroder. Although the supporting cast has improved over the last few years, they still appear to be lagging behind.
Jimmy Butler could make a difference. He still has the playoff experience and is incredibly versatile on both ends of the court, which will help the Warriors win another championship.
Butler, who has played for some of the league’s top coaches, including Erik Spoelstra and Tom Thibodeau, has also demonstrated the ability to adjust to any playstyle. If traded to the Warriors, he would be coached by Steve Kerr, another brilliant basketball mind, so the experience would be beneficial.
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler could form a big three with the Mavericks.
After making it to the NBA Finals the previous season, the Dallas Mavericks (17-9) are trying to find a way to get past their current slump.
Thanks to their talented role players and their dynamic backcourt of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have one of the best teams in the league. They still lack the firepower necessary to compete against an improved Thunder team and return to the Finals, though.
Butler’s addition would greatly address this issue. Butler provides the Mavs with a major upgrade on the wing and another locker room leader who has previously made it to the NBA Finals.
Jimmy Butler, a significant veteran, could join the youthful Houston Rockets.
Butler’s possible trade to the Houston Rockets could result in a homecoming. Thanks to Ime Udoka’s coaching and the development of their youthful core, the Rockets are having one of their best seasons since the James Harden era.
Currently sitting at third seed in the West, the Rockets are playing well behind the play of their young stars, Jalen Green and Alperen Segun. Both are playing at an All-Star level; however, they may lack the experience needed to perform in the postseason. Enter Jimmy Butler
A potential trade with the Miami Heat centered around Jimmy Butler would satisfy both sides; the Heat would add to the already young core by getting a number of players from the Rockets who aren’t seeing much playing time and could benefit from a change of scenery.
Meanwhile, Butler could serve as the missing piece to take the Rockets to the next level. He gives them a seasoned leader and a guy who could turn up his play in the postseason and another big-time scoring option throughout the season to turn to when Segun and Green don’t have it going.
