Breaking Down The Best Fits, And Sleepers, For Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler wants to get paid. No surprise there — NBA stars like Butler know their worth. But when that kind of star feels underappreciated, the whispers of dissatisfaction start swirling.

And right now, league chatter says the Miami Heat aren’t quite ready to shell out the extension Butler’s camp is angling for.

Here’s the situation: Butler is 35 years old, already making $48.8 million this season, with a $52.4 million player option next year.

Rumor has it, he’s declining that option and looking for a long-term deal. The Heat? Well, they’re probably not offering the years or dollars Butler envisions.

So, what’s next? A wandering eye.

The Rumored Wish List: Mavericks, Warriors, Suns, Rockets

According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, Butler has his sights on a few teams: the Mavericks, Rockets, Warriors, and Suns. Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, called the rumors “utter made-up bulls***,” but let’s face it—smoke doesn’t appear without a little fire.

Butler’s future has been a hot topic since he didn’t sign an extension this past NBA offseason. Add Miami’s rocky start to the season, and it’s clear why this chatter won’t go away.

Breaking Down the Fits

Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Butler? Sure, that sounds terrifying, but also combustible. There’s only one basketball, and adding Butler would require a massive consolidation trade. Giving up rotation players for an aging star seems like a stretch.

Warriors: Now this is interesting. Pairing Butler with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green fits like a glove. The Warriors could send Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and picks to Miami, but would Pat Riley bite? Kuminga’s upside hasn’t translated into consistent production, and Miami might balk at paying him long-term.

Suns: A Beal-for-Butler swap is theoretically possible, but why would Miami want Bradley Beal’s bloated contract? Phoenix might love the upgrade, but unless a third team gets involved, this feels dead on arrival.

Rockets: Houston’s GM Rafael Stone has been downplaying splashy moves, focusing instead on the young core. The Rockets have assets like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, but gutting the roster for Butler doesn’t align with their long-term vision.

The Dark Horses

Lakers: LeBron James loves big moves, and Butler fits the bill. Los Angeles could dangle future first-round picks — some of the most valuable assets in the league—and match salaries with pieces like D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. But adding Butler would make the Lakers hilariously old.

Sixers: Joel Embiid and Butler have a well-documented bromance. Could Philly ship Paul George to Miami in a blockbuster? It’s fun to think about, but it doesn’t solve Miami’s long-term concerns.

Nuggets: This might be the most compelling fit. Denver could send Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, and a pick to Miami. The Nuggets would get Butler’s grit and playmaking, while the Heat would land a 6-foot-10 sharpshooter in MPJ. Financially, Denver might even welcome the chance to move off Porter’s massive deal with the repeater tax looming.

Staying Home Still Makes Sense

Despite the trade noise, Miami still has plenty to offer Butler. No state income tax, a competitive roster, and a chance to retire as the face of Heat Culture.

Plus, Tyler Herro’s breakout season gives the Heat flexibility. They can either keep Butler and try for another NBA Finals run or sell high and build around Herro, Bam Adebayo, and a collection of young assets.

If Butler stays, Miami is banking on his production defying Father Time. If he goes, they need to find the right haul.

The Warriors and Nuggets feel like the best bets, but in classic Heat fashion, don’t rule out Riley pulling a rabbit out of his hat. One thing’s for sure: With Jimmy Butler, it’s never boring.