There’s no doubt that Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler wants to play for the Phoenix Suns.
He would reportedly be happy with a trade to the Dallas Mavericks or Golden State Warriors as well. Considering the way that Kyrie Irving has been glowing in Texas, even repairing his reputation, his interest in the Mavs could go beyond their status as a title-contender. The same holds true for the Warriors, who have plenty of experience dealing with the fiery and inflammatory Draymond Green.
If one of the teams on his shortlist doesn’t acquire him, it could be because the Memphis Grizzlies decided to make a home run swing. They’ve been warned against trading for Butler but only because of concerns that he’d be a rental. It’s not completely clear where he stands on landing with the Milwaukee Bucks, or vice-versa. However, they’re often mentioned as a dark horse as well.
Pelicans Should Swoop In For Jimmy Butler Trade
The Philadelphia 76ers have been strangely quiet during this saga. Yet, given how fond 76ers president Daryl Morey and face of the franchise Joel Embiid are of Butler, he’s a feasible trade target. This is especially true when assessing the state of the Sixers, who haven’t been able to get out of the blocks this season due to injuries. Just last week, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said that his team has been in “survival mode.”
Still, the Sixers aren’t the only organization that could come from out of nowhere to trade for Butler. There’s another franchise that may need him as much as anyone: the New Orleans Pelicans.
Not What They Expected
Every team says they want to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Nonetheless, New Orleans probably didn’t enter 2024-25 with a genuine belief that they would be winning a championship this season. They’re a talented bunch but their roster is young and flawed. With that being said, after holding onto Zion Williamson and trading for Dejounte Murray, there’s no doubt that the wanted or expected to make some noise in the playoffs.
They didn’t bank on Murray fracturing his hand and his efficiency falling off a cliff due to questionable shot-selection. Nor did they think that Williamson would look so out-of-shape so early. On top of that, Brandon Ingram has only played in 18 games this season due to an ankle injury.
The result is a team that’s often looked out-of-sorts on offense. Their defense has been just as bad though, if not worse. This is among the reasons why Butler, a connective playmaker and renowned defender, makes sense for the Pelicans.
Improving Beyond The Arc
The trade parameters are simple — Butler, Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love head to New Orleans while Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Daniel Theis catch a flight to Miami.
It’s worth noting that neither Robinson and Love are reliable defenders but neither was McCollum. What they offer that the Lehigh product doesn’t is more sensible shot-selection, almost by the sheer virtue of them being spot-up shooters more than on-ball scorers. This simplifies the offense but simple isn’t always a dirty word.
Opponents’ scouting reports will note that Robinson and Love are exceptional three-point shooters and their defensive scheme will reflect that. This could open up more space in the driving lane for players like Murray, who seems to always find himself in a crowded paint. Love, who often operates as a small-ball five at this stage of his career, can do the same.
There’s also the reality that basketball can be a numbers game. In situations where they might not have the talent or time to keep up otherwise, the three-ball can be a deadly weapon. In fact, Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego is known to be fond of proliferating three-point attempts. However, they don’t have the personnel for it.
New Orleans ranks 23rd in three-point attempts per game (35.4) and 27th in three-point percentage (.342).
Getting Defensive
Butler isn’t a prolific three-point threat. Nevertheless, he can be sensational in the midrange. Not only is that the bread-and-butter of many elite wings, it helps the Pelicans balance the floor, especially if they find themselves facing a zone.
Furthermore, he’s widely regarded as one of the smartest players in the league. In that same vein, he’s absolutely fine with giving up the ball if it can lead to a better shot. This would make a tremendous difference for the Pelicans, who tend to play ‘hero ball’ rather than taking what the defense gives them.
The other end is where he’ll really make his mark though. New Orleans has frequently employed a zone because they’ve had problems guarding switches. This won’t be as much of a problem with Butler, a suffocating multi-positional defender at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds.
If the Pelicans start Butler and Herb Jones on the wing, their days as a bottom-rung defensive team could be over.
Of course, this would relegate Trey Murphy III to a sixth man role. Yet, that may actually be what’s best for the 24-year-old. Though brimming with potential, he’s still somewhat rough around the edges. Rather than being thrown to the wolves and being asked to survive, the Pelicans can continue to develop him in a steady fashion.
Why The Heat Make The trade
This trade might be even easier to understand from the Heat’s standpoint.
Though Ingram also wants to be paid top-dollar, he’ll be a free agent in the offseason, like Theis. Given that Miami doesn’t want to take back long-term salary, this is important. In the meantime, he and McCollum –whose contract expires in 2026 –boost an offense that’s become a bit too reliant on Tyler Herro. Both wings are highly-capable scorers, especially in isolation. Additionally, they offer playmaking, allowing Herro to free himself up off-ball. Currently ranked 21st in points per game (111.0), Miami has a good chance of moving on up with those two in the fold.
The defense will be a concern, which could lead to McCollum or Ingram being brought off the bench. However, with the Heat now starting 7-foot-0 rookie Kel’el Ware at center, the idea of a player cantering into the paint isn’t as daunting.
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