Trade Proposal Sends Heat’s Jimmy Butler To Kings, DeMar DeRozan To Heat, Involves Pistons

In a hypothetical NBA trade proposal written by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, the Sacramento Kings acquire disgruntled Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, alongside guard Alec Burks, in exchange for forward DeMar DeRozan, guard Tim Hardaway Jr., and a 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected, via Sacramento).

The trade also involves a third team, the Detroit Pistons, who would receive guard Kevin Huerter, forward Trey Lyles, and a 2029 first-round pick swap (via Sacramento).

Pelton suggests that Sacramento, having recently achieved a .500 record under interim coach Doug Christie, should seriously consider trading for Butler to enhance their playoff prospects.

Since 2013, Butler has been one of the top 10 players in terms of outperforming regular-season performance in the postseason, a factor that could elevate the Kings’ postseason chances.

On the flip side, Pelton points out that DeRozan has been among the biggest underperformers in the playoffs over the same period, with a noticeable drop in wins above replacement (WARP).

Heat receive:

• DeMar DeRozan
• Tim Hardaway Jr.
• 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected, via Sacramento)

Kings receive:

• Jimmy Butler
• Alec Burks

Pistons receive:

• Kevin Huerter
• Trey Lyles
• 2029 first-round pick swap (via Sacramento)

From Miami’s perspective, DeRozan represents an ideal replacement for Butler. His $23.4 million salary this season is nearly $30 million less than Butler’s, potentially putting the Heat in a position to avoid the luxury tax while still having flexibility in the offseason.

Hardaway Jr.’s expiring contract also provides Miami with an opportunity to use their exceptions next summer, further boosting their financial flexibility.

Detroit enters the equation as a third team to help facilitate the deal, absorbing Huerter’s contract in exchange for the pick swap and the potential for future flexibility. If Huerter can regain his career 38% shooting from three, he could fit nicely into Detroit’s floor-spacing plans around young star Cade Cunningham.

While this NBA deal is hypothetical, Pelton’s proposal raises a number of intriguing questions about how Butler’s potential departure from Miami could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape and how Sacramento could further solidify its standing as a playoff contender.