Top 5 Trade Destinations for Jimmy Butler this Offseason
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
NBA: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
Jimmy Butler looks pretty comfortable living in South Florida, so a short drive up the state to the Orlando Magic likely wouldn’t be something he is completely opposed to. The Magic are on the brink of contention in the East, and they could use a veteran voice in that locker room to take the team to the next level. The Magic front office should want Butler mentoring Paolo Banchero for a few seasons. Butler can be a reliable No. 2 option before looking to add a big co-star in a few years to send the Magic into true championship contention. It may be more of a long-term play for the Magic, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Butler is attracted by the Magic more than most believe.
Philadelphia 76ers
Jimmy Butler’s previous tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers was brief but full of promise. His pairing with Joel Embiid flourished in the short term, yet ultimately, the front office opted to stick with Ben Simmons and Brett Brown rather than signing Butler. Even though Tobias Harris got the max contract, it was Simmons and Brown with whom Butler was reluctant to work. Regardless, all three of Harris, Simmons, and Brown are out of Philadelphia, and Embiid remains, whom Butler speaks glowingly of. Butler could view reuniting with Embiid as his best chance to earn his first NBA title, while the 76ers can hope to tap into “playoff Jimmy” while not needing him to be the number one or two scoring option. Butler is as good as it gets in this league for a third option on a championship contender.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of reaching the Western Conference Finals as the pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has peaked. However, it’s still fair to say that this team isn’t a definitive NBA title contender, regardless of their short-term success. As good as PJ Washington Jr. has been for them, he cannot be the third option next season, creating a need to look elsewhere. Like in a potential 76ers fit, Jimmy Butler can defer to Luka and Kyrie, relieving him of the pressure of being the most relied-upon option on a championship team. Dallas doesn’t have all the picks and assets to swing a deal, but they have enough tradable assets to get a job done if Butler wants to come to Dallas.
New York Knicks
It may be challenging to envision a deal where the Miami Heat sends Jimmy Butler to the New York Knicks while Pat Riley is in charge. Still, the fit is there, and the Knicks want to add another star. Butler is familiar with Tom Thibodeau from their Chicago days, and he may wish to remain in the Eastern Conference to give him the best championship potential. New York is the team to be on right now, and Butler’s presence would continue to elevate their chances of ultimately getting over the hump.
New Orleans Pelicans
It is well known that the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make changes this offseason. Their current roster is not working, and they boast players the Miami Heat may want in return. The Pelicans might not be the ideal spot for Jimmy Butler, but if a standoff begins between him and the front office, a package from New Orleans might be too much for the Heat to pass up.
NBA: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
Jimmy Butler looks pretty comfortable living in South Florida, so a short drive up the state to the Orlando Magic likely wouldn’t be something he is completely opposed to. The Magic are on the brink of contention in the East, and they could use a veteran voice in that locker room to take the team to the next level. The Magic front office should want Butler mentoring Paolo Banchero for a few seasons. Butler can be a reliable No. 2 option before looking to add a big co-star in a few years to send the Magic into true championship contention. It may be more of a long-term play for the Magic, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Butler is attracted by the Magic more than most believe.
Philadelphia 76ers
Jimmy Butler’s previous tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers was brief but full of promise. His pairing with Joel Embiid flourished in the short term, yet ultimately, the front office opted to stick with Ben Simmons and Brett Brown rather than signing Butler. Even though Tobias Harris got the max contract, it was Simmons and Brown with whom Butler was reluctant to work. Regardless, all three of Harris, Simmons, and Brown are out of Philadelphia, and Embiid remains, whom Butler speaks glowingly of. Butler could view reuniting with Embiid as his best chance to earn his first NBA title, while the 76ers can hope to tap into “playoff Jimmy” while not needing him to be the number one or two scoring option. Butler is as good as it gets in this league for a third option on a championship contender.
