Jimmy Butler trade rumors: NBA analyst sees perfect fit for $52.4 million star in surprise Western Conference contenders

Jimmy Butler's future with the Miami Heat is uncertain as the organization hasn't offered the star forward a contract extension. During Tuesday's episode of "Run It Back," former NBA player Chandler Parsons suggested a Western Conference team that could exercise a trade for Butler.

Butler is set to hit free agency in the summer of 2025 if he doesn't pick up his $52.4 million player option. However, with an expiring deal, the Heat are expected to move the six-time All-Star and acquire something in return.

Parsons brought up a young, rising Western Conference team that would benefit from trading for Miami's aging star. He also named an Eastern Conference club that could take part in trading for Butler.

"I got two places I'd like to see him. I think two teams that are on the rise, that are young enough and good enough that needs small forwards," Parsons said.

"I think the Houston Rockets are right there. He fits that culture, he fits that DNA, he would be great with (Ime) Udoka. I think there's enough vets in that locker room where he's just gonna grind, he's gonna buy in to what they are doing," he added.

"And the Cleveland Cavaliers," Parsons continued. "They need a small forward since LeBron James left. I think he would fit there, he kinda gives them that toughness. I'd like to see that."

His co-host, Lou Williams, thinks the Atlanta Hawks could take advantage of trading for Butler.

The Houston Rockets have been linked to Butler since the previous offseason. According to Sam Amico's report in July, the Rockets targeted multiple forwards as potential trade candidates. One of the players mentioned in his report was Butler.

---

One Eastern Conference contender reportedly tried to trade for Jimmy Butler

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Jimmy Butler was among the targets of the New York Knicks over the summer. Scotto reported that the Knicks expressed interest in trading for Butler, but focused on acquiring Mikal Bridges.

"Across town, the New York Knicks expressed interest in Butler this past summer, sources said. However, talks didn’t go far beyond exploratory interest before the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Nets, who were much more willing to make a trade than the Heat at the time," Scotto wrote.

Other franchises linked to Butler are the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks. For the Nets, the five-time All-NBA doesn't fit the timeline, since the organization is on track to rebuild its roster.

The Mavs are an ideal landing spot for Butler. Last season, Dallas made it to the NBA Finals but lost against the Boston Celtics.