The latest rumblings out of Miami paint a more nuanced picture for Jimmy Butler’s trade prospects as the NBA trade deadline nears.
According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Heat are loosening their grip on what they’ve been demanding in trade talks, particularly when it comes to taking on salary. No longer are they solely fixated on 2025/26 and beyond — so long as the contract doesn’t border on “outrageous,” they’re more open to absorbing longer-term deals.
This shift comes on the heels of Brian Windhorst’s reporting that Miami has softened its asking price, a move that has sparked renewed interest from several teams, including the Golden State Warriors.
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the Warriors’ re-engagement with Miami, and ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed this during a recent TV appearance.
The Heat, having trimmed their demands, are apparently more willing to work with suitors who have salary commitments beyond 2025/26, but they’re still looking for compensation — particularly in the form of draft picks — if they’re taking on extra years.
Golden State’s interest is particularly noteworthy. With Andrew Wiggins’ player option for the 2026/27 season worth a cool $30.2 million, that deal could fit the Heat’s current parameters — especially when compared to someone like Phoenix’s Bradley Beal, whose mammoth $57.1 million player option for 2026/27, coupled with a no-trade clause, makes him an absolute non-starter for Miami.
The Heat’s preference still leans toward shorter-term contracts that come off the books quickly, but this willingness to consider additional salary suggests they’re beginning to adjust their stance, knowing that deals for stars like Butler tend to be messy and multi-layered.
- In other news, while the Suns’ trade with the Utah Jazz that involved splitting a 2031 first-round pick wasn’t specifically designed to facilitate a Butler acquisition, it’s clear the Suns are preparing for a big roster push down the line.
- As John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reports, Phoenix is positioning itself to remain competitive well into the 2030s, and that pick swap was a calculated move to add more assets now, should a Butler deal come down the line.
- Lastly, keep an eye on the Timberwolves as a potential wildcard in any Butler trade talks. Ian Begley of SNY.tv has pointed out that Minnesota could emerge as a key player in a potential multi-team deal.
- The Heat were interested in Julius Randle during the offseason, and with Randle holding a player option for 2025/26, his contract could align with what Miami’s looking for. Although there are no confirmed active talks yet, the connection is one worth watching.
- Basically, as the Heat await Butler’s return from suspension, the NBA trade deadline could be the tipping point for Miami, with a more open approach to deals, but still holding their cards close as they continue to balance the present with a vision for the future.
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