With a slow start to this season, holding a 6-7 record and sitting in sixth position in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat’s direction feels uncertain. Despite this somewhat sluggish beginning, the organization seem to be staying positive and committed to its current roster.
However, it does not take long for things to change in the NBA. One player whose future is clouded in uncertainty is Jimmy Butler. He showed with his recent display against the Philadelphia 76ers that he is still capable of being the man for Miami. But the questions over his fitness remain and his contract situation does not make things any easier for the Heat. One would imagine that at some point this season, they will have to at the very least explore trade options.
Amid all this, a three-team trade involving the Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors has been proposed. In the Bleacher Report article ‘1 Trade Every NBA Team Should Propose Right Now’, Dan Favale suggested one that would see the Heat receive Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton, Andrew Wiggins, Golden State’s 2025 first-round pick, 2026 first-round swap (via Golden State), Golden State’s 2027 first-round pick, Atlanta’s 2028 second-round pick and Golden State’s 2030 first-round pick (protected Nos. 21 to 30). The Warriors would receive Butler, Bruno Fernando and Josh Richardson while the Raptors would get Gary Payton II (into non-taxpayer MLE), Atlanta’s 2026 second-round pick (via Golden State) and Miami’s 2031 second-round pick (top-55 protection).
This trade would represent making a calculated shift from their ageing superstar, Butler, who is 35 and prone to injuries. The trade would align the Heat with their long-term success. On his day, Butler is still their best player. But at 35 years of age, his Championship window sadly seems to have passed. On the other hand, while Adebayo is a great player, he is not necessarily one who can lead a team to a Championship. Tyler Herro’s improvement is cause for optimism and if the Heat can bring in a superstar in the near future, they might find themselves in a good spot.
