Miami Heat Stun Entire NBA With Blockbuster Jimmy Butler Trade Proposal

The Miami Heat have been one of the NBA’s more disappointing teams so far this offseason.

Following an unfortunate 2024 campaign where they couldn’t match the prior year’s NBA Finals run, expectations were high regarding Miami making some notable moves.

Thus far, aside from being one of three teams viewed as frontrunners to acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, the Heat have done a whole lot of nothing.

This week the Heat were linked to a blockbuster NBA trade that would likely shock the entire league if it came to fruition.

In the proposed deal Butler would head to the Houston Rockets. Returning to Miami in that swap would be Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, 2025, 2027 and 2028 first round picks and a pair of future second-rounders.

“While the Rockets might want to go younger, Butler is a clear fit,” a report from Total Pro Sports notes.

“Butler would give the Rockets a star two-way wing and allow them to remain competitive while developing young talent. This two-timeline approach gives the Rockets the best of both worlds, so to speak.”

This deal would be a win-win for all sides. As noted, Houston needs a veteran leader with some attitude to guide them in the Western Conference. Miami needs legitimate support in the backcourt after striking out on Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday.

VanVleet is neither the offensive player that Lillard is nor the defensive stalwart that Holiday is, but he would fit will in Erik Spoelstra’s schemes.

Will the Heat and Rockets be able to make something centered around Butler happen this summer? Time will tell.