Each passing day brings new updates to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat's downward spiraling relationship. Today's reports surrounding the situation claim that Butler's camp has reiterated once again that he is actively demanding a trade over the next 14 days and has opened his destination list. A few seasons back, Butler hinted at potentially finishing his career with the team that drafted him 30th overall in 2011. Since entering the NBA, he's played for four franchises, not leaving on particularly great terms at any of his stops. He's now considered one of the most outspoken and theatrical players leaguewide, with his recent activities only adding to the growing case that he's more to handle off the court than he's worth on it. In a star-studded league, however, a postseason threat at his level would catapult any roster to immediate contention. What's the most realistic route to bringing Butler back to where it all began, and would Arturas Karnisovas take that level of risk?
LaVine For Butler Swap
The only way Karnisovas would be able to pull off a deal for a player who was once the franchise's blossoming star in Butler is to part ways with the current face of the organization. LaVine's eight years with the club have been nothing short of a disappointment. During that span, he's earned two All-Star nods to Butler's six, one playoff appearance to Butler's six, five postseason games played to Butler's 83, and zero All-NBA or All-NBA Defense nominations to Butler's 10. Although Miami's star guard comes with plenty of baggage and attitude concerns, the resume speaks for itself and is something Chicago has sorely lacked since his departure.
ESPN story with @WindhorstESPN: Jimmy Butler has indicated to the Miami Heat that he wants the team to trade him and is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.https://t.co/6BovsL2qdi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2025
The trade would be reasonably simple if both sides were eager to execute. With both salaries being fairly close in value and each side having reason to push for a deal, it's not entirely asinine to believe it could come to fruition.
Full Circle Butler Back In Chicago
The unique storyline here is that LaVine and Butler were traded for one another once before in 2017; at that time, Chicago's young shooting guard was establishing himself as one of the top two-way players in the NBA, while LaVine had elite athleticism but was still a raw talent. At this moment, Chicago would likely need to add more capital to match Butler's value, but both are former All-Stars who can help their new homes accomplish different goals. Bringing Butler back would establish a level of competition that Chicago has failed to reach since 2017. Miami can absorb an elite-level scoring machine in LaVine who can contribute to a playoff run.
Breaking: T-Wolves agree in principle to acquire Jimmy Butler, No.16 from Bulls for No. 7, Zach LaVine, & Kris Dunn. (via @ESPNSteinLine) pic.twitter.com/YjhqWSH6J6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 22, 2017
At the start of last season, LaVine and Miami had a mutual interest in joining forces should he depart from the Bulls. Does the Heat still see value in the two-time All-Star perimeter threat? There may come a day in the next two weeks when they're forced to take the best available offer, and Chicago's might be just that.
The Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to consider a trade for Zach LaVine, per @ShamsCharania
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2023
(Via @TheRally / h/t @ChiSportUpdates ) pic.twitter.com/1gpihK6ct1
Is this a trade you would support Chicago making if the opportunity arises? With the franchise seemingly having no direction, no promising future, and headed for a third consecutive NBA Play-In Tournament, is it worth mixing things up and, at the very minimum, bringing a passionate superstar back to where it all began?
