Nearly two months into the 2024-25 NBA campaign, the beginning of trade season has yet to come. On December 15, many players who signed new contracts in the offseason will become trade-eligible. To many, this is the unofficial start of the trade period until February’s trade deadline. Usually, some of the NBA’s biggest names find themselves in the rumor mill. This is no different this season. From the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James to Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram, few NBA players are truly safe from trade speculation. Though there is a real possibility that no big names will switch teams during the season, we at least have a better idea of who could be on the move regardless.
On Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Brian Windhorst revealed that Butler is the biggest realistic trade candidate this season. Windhorst said the Miami Heat star wants to remain with the team. However, in a potential contract year, no contract extension is imminent for Butler and the Heat.
“I think Jimmy Butler’s preference would be to sign an extension in Miami. … Pat Riley came out at the end of last season and said that’s not what the Heat were doing.” 😳 @WindhorstESPN on Jimmy Butler’s future with the Miami Heat 👀 pic.twitter.com/bCZz4EYovv
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 12, 2024
“Jimmy Butler’s preference would be to sign an extension in Miami. He had hoped actually to do that last summer but Pat Riley came out at the end of last season and said that’s not what the Heat were doing and they still haven’t made any progress on that. I think he’d like to stay in Miami. But as you talk to people around the league, I think any out of any of the big-name players who could possibly get traded this season, executives mostly think if there’s any player who could possibly be moved, it would be Jimmy Butler,” Windhorst said.
Brian Windhorst Names Likeliest Major NBA Trade Candidate
Why the Miami Heat Could Trade Jimmy Butler
Butler is now in his sixth season with the Heat. He has played his best basketball as a member of the team, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances. However, Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. While opting in is a possibility, earlier reports have indicated this is unlikely. Instead, the Marquette alum is more likely to opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract. Given that he is 35 years old, the Heat may be hesitant to give Butler such a deal. Instead of letting him walk for nothing, the Heat could trade Butler while he is still under contract.
Potential Jimmy Butler Destinations
There are a few teams reported to have interest in Butler, with the biggest suitor being the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets have interest as well. Butler had previously been linked to the Houston Rockets, but this now seems unlikely. Furthermore, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Phoenix Suns also have interest in Butler. Despite Bernie Lee, Butler’s agent, refuting the report, Charania has doubled down on Phoenix’s interest in the Texas native.
At this point, it is unclear how likely a Butler trade is. The Heat are 12-10 and own the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, they are less than two years removed from an NBA Finals appearance. Still, as the season continues to progress, it seems more likely that the Heat will move on from Butler as opposed to giving him a contract extension. With the trade deadline just a couple of months away, it is possible that Butler’s days are numbered in Miami.
