Kofi Inkoom
Jimmy Butler might be departing from Miami this summer, and Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley is proposing that the Sacramento Kings make a trade for him during the offseason.
Buckley’s proposed trade involves :
Kings sending Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, the No. 13 pick, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick to the Miami Heat in exchange for Butler.
In the regular season, the six-time all-star averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games. He shot 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. His salary for the next season will be $48.8 million.
A top-tier NBA player, Butler is eligible for an extension this offseason. If the Heat do not offer him a max extension, he might seek a trade.
Buckley noted, “While the Heat could not sound less interested in a Butler blockbuster, perhaps a few anxious rounds of extension negotiations could change that. Between his lengthy injury history and his upcoming 35th birthday, he won’t necessarily just be handed a blank check. But if Miami tries pinching pennies on a new deal, maybe Butler will decide that it’s time for him to move on.”
Though Butler’s three-point shooting is not ideal for Sacramento’s scheme, his toughness, playoff experience, defensive prowess, and secondary scoring could benefit the Kings.
“It would take an aggressive offer to pry him out of Miami, but this might qualify, especially if there are fans of Huerter and Mitchell in the Heat front office. This would give the Heat the Nos. 13 and 15 picks, meaning they could beef up their youth in a hurry or have the flexibility to chase a star trade or even move up the board.” Buckley added
“They might still need a pick swap or two to seriously consider this, but that’s a concession the Kings could make if their initial offer can’t get it done.”
Butler, 34, has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. Over his career, he has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks while playing for the Bulls, Timberwolves, 76ers, and Heat.