Jimmy Butler trade scenarios: 3 blockbuster deals for Miami Heat superstar

As the rumor mill continues to heat up in the NBA, Jimmy Butler has become the key name to watch in the coming weeks. Despite conflicting reports, the All-Star forward could potentially find himself on a new team before February 6th.

Butler isn't the superstar he once was, but is still more than capable of helping a team contend for a championship. This season, he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

In recent weeks, there have been multiple teams connected to Jimmy Butler in rumors. Among those most commonly brought up are the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Earlier this week, insider Shams Charania cited these teams as some of Butler's top preferred destinations.

There are numerous wrinkles in the Butler situation, with his contract being among the biggest. The final year of his deal is a player option, meaning he could hit the market this summer if he chooses to. According to reporting on the situation, Butler intends to test to market no matter what happens between now and the deadline.

With the potential of him being a rental, the Miami Heat could have a tough time getting a proper return for a player like Butler. Nonetheless, here are a couple of potential frameworks centered around the six-time All-Star.

---

3 Jimmy Butler trad scenarios for the 2024-25 trade deadline:

1) Phoenix Suns

Kicking things off is one of the reportedly interested teams in Jimmy Butler, the Phoenix Suns. If they were to acquire him, they'd need to part ways with one of the three All-Stars already on their roster.

If he were to waive his no-trade clause, the Suns could land Butler by sending Bradley Beal to Miami. The Heat would have to shed one of their minimum contracts to make the money work, meaning they'll need a third team. In this instance, the Detroit Pistons could take on the extra contract in exchange for second-round draft capital.

---

2) Golden State Warriors

Another possible Jimmy Butler landing spot is the Golden State Warriors, who have been searching for a star to pair with Steph Curry since last offseason. Armed with contracts of all sizes, they have the assets to pull off a blockbuster like this.

One potential framework for a trade could be Miami receiving Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and a first-round pick swap. The Heat would have to waive two players to clear roster spots, and Golden State would have to sign a player to meet the NBA's roster compliance.

---

3) Denver Nuggets

While the Denver Nuggets haven't been linked to Butler, they are still a team in need of some form of upgrades. Years after battling it out in the NBA Finals, the Heat forward could end up joining forces with Nikola Jokic in hopes of contending again.

For financial reasons, a third team would need to be included again. The Pistons come into play once again, as they have the most open cap space of any team in the league.

Here is the full breakdown of what a Butler trade to the Nuggets could look like:

• Nuggets receive Jimmy Butler
• Heat receive Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric
• Pistons receive Zeke Nnaji, a 2027 pick swap (Via DEN) and a 2026 second-round pick (Via MIA)

It would likely take more to get any of these deals agreed on, but they are all logical frameworks that fit within the parameters of the NBA's new CBA.