NBA Insider Says ‘Pay Attention’ To Cavaliers As Trade Suitor For Heat Star Jimmy Butler

NBA insider Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer recently opined that the Cleveland Cavaliers should be paid attention to as a potential trade suitor for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Butler is extension-eligible this offseason. He could get traded if he doesn’t receive a max extension from the Heat. 

“This is just me talking, I didn’t ask anybody questions or anything like that,” Pompey said, via Anthony Pasciolla of Inside The Heat. “But the one team that if they (Miami) were willing to trade Jimmy — I don’t know if they are — the one team I would pay attention to is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Because Rich Paul said if you give Donovan Mitchell an extension, then you know they probably want to get Darius Garland out of there.

“Now that’s what the reports are saying, but I think that right now it’s up to Cleveland to make a decision. But to me, I don’t know if Jimmy would want to go there.”

Butler will make $48.8 million next season. He has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. 

The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of this year’s postseason in five games. Butler didn’t play because of a knee injury. 

A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 60 games this season while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line.

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 five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.

Mitchell is expected to sign a $200 million extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Garland could get traded once Mitchell signs an extension. 

The Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs in seven games but lost to the Celtics in the second round in five games.