Jimmy Butler’s name has once again surfaced in the NBA trade rumor mill, and it’s clear that he may not escape it anytime soon.
Speculation about his future, particularly with the Miami Heat, has intensified due to his lack of an extension with the team, and Bleacher Report has floated an intriguing idea: sending Butler to the Los Angeles Lakers.
As noted on The TK Show by The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Golden State Warriors could be potential suitors for Butler, with reports suggesting they may have even made calls this summer.
Given that the Warriors failed to land Paul George or Lauri Markkanen, Butler might represent the kind of star power the franchise needs to stay competitive during Stephen Curry’s post-prime years. However, the Lakers have emerged as another team that could benefit from acquiring Butler, according to a Bleacher Report trade idea.
The proposed trade involves Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson heading to Los Angeles, while the Heat would receive D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick. There is, however, some speculation that Miami might insist on Austin Reaves being included in the deal instead of Vincent.
Would Butler Fit With LeBron and AD?
Adding Butler to a Lakers squad already featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis would undoubtedly bolster their chances of competing for another championship. While some might raise concerns over spacing issues—given that Butler and Davis are both paint-centric players—the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.
With LeBron turning 40 in December, the Lakers may need to make bold moves like this if they want to maximize their remaining championship window.
Though Butler may be past his prime, he’s still a player capable of pushing a team from good to great, or from a contender to a champion. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations is precisely what the Lakers need alongside their aging superstar duo.
What’s in It for Miami?
For the Heat, trading Butler would signify a potential reset, and the package from the Lakers could provide them with valuable future assets. By 2029, LeBron and Butler will likely be retired, and Anthony Davis will be past his prime, meaning those L.A. first-round picks could land high in the draft.
Additionally, acquiring players like D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura would give Miami more youthful pieces to complement an already intriguing core featuring Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jović.
These players, along with draft picks, could accelerate Miami’s rebuild, particularly if they feel Butler could leave in 2025 free agency.
How Likely is a Trade?
While it remains uncertain if the Miami Heat will actually make Jimmy Butler available, it’s clear that several teams, including the Lakers and Warriors, would be interested in making a deal.
For the Lakers, acquiring Butler would be an aggressive move designed to make the most of LeBron’s twilight years. For the Heat, the proposed package offers a promising return for a player who might be gone in a year anyway.