Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Heat’s Jimmy Butler To Kings

One NBA writer proposed that the Sacramento Kings acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat this offseason. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Heat and Kings: 

The trade: The Sacramento Kings trade Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, the No. 13 pick, first-round pick in 2028 and first-round pick in 2030 to the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler

Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games for the Heat this season while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $48.8 million next season.

One of the best players in the NBA, Butler is extension-eligible this offseason. The swingman could request a trade if the Heat don’t sign him to a max extension. 

“While the Heat could not sound less interested in a Butler blockbuster, perhaps a few anxious rounds of extension negotiations could change that,” Buckley wrote. “Between his lengthy injury history and his upcoming 35th birthday, he won’t necessarily just be handed a blank check. But if Miami tries pinching pennies on a new deal, maybe Butler will decide that it’s time for him to move on.

“He isn’t quite a perfect schematic fit in Sacramento, as he’s a low-volume, low-efficiency three-point shooter. Still, the Kings could use his tenacity as a tone-setter, not to mention his big-stage savvy, defensive versatility and secondary scoring and shot-creation.

“It would take an aggressive offer to pry him out of Miami, but this might qualify, especially if there are fans of Huerter and Mitchell in the Heat front office. This would give the Heat the Nos. 13 and 15 picks, meaning they could beef up their youth in a hurry or have the flexibility to chase a star trade or even move up the board.

“They might still need a pick swap or two to seriously consider this, but that’s a concession the Kings could make if their initial offer can’t get it done.”

Butler has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. He turns 35 in September.

A Marquette product, Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia Sixers and Heat. He’s made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.

The Kings missed the playoffs this year, while the Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round.