An NBA journalist suggested that Jimmy Butler be acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers from the Miami Heat in the upcoming summer.
Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 60 games for the Heat this season while shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 85.8% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $48.8 million next season.
One of the top players in the NBA, Butler is extension-eligible this offseason. The forward could request a trade if the Heat don’t sign him to a max extension.
“The Lakers’ third-star search could take them a number of different directions, but what about toward South Beach and their biggest adversary in the 2020 Finals? Sure, the Heat say Butler isn’t available, and most analysts don’t think he is, but if extension negotiations get awkward—as they already kind of did—things could change in a hurry,” Buckley wrote. “L.A. should have an all-in offer at the ready just in case.
“Butler wouldn’t help with the Lakers’ shooting shortage, but he’d enhance their offensive menu as a scorer, creator and downhill attacker. His toughness and defensive versatility would be welcome additions to this team, and his experience should allow for a smooth transition to the locker room.
“This trade price is steep, but this could be a transformational swap, so it should be. If L.A. wants more than an honorable mention in championship talks, it might require a bold blockbuster like this to make it happen. To get this deal done, the Lakers would have to duck below the first apron, which could happen by either D’Angelo Russell declining his $18.7 million player option and exiting or LeBron James returning at something less than his max salary.”
Butler has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. He turns 35 in September.
A Marquette product, Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia Sixers and Heat. He’s made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
The Lakers are expected to hire JJ Redick as their new head coach. Redick and Butler were teammates on the Sixers in 2018-19.
Los Angeles would have a “Big 3” of LeBron, Butler and Anthony Davis if the Lakers’ front office figured out a way to acquire Butler from the Heat.
LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason by declining his 2024-25 player option. The NBA legend is expected to remain with the Lakers.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
Sponsored Content
Today’s latest news from world football
Livescore, including line-ups, match-stats & more
Clicnscores-ng
Port Harcourt: You Might Be Surprised By The Price Of Sofas
Port Harcourt: You Might Be Surprised By The Price Of Sofas
Couches&Sofas | Search Ads
Helicopter carrying Iran’s president suffers a ‘hard landing’
Helicopter carrying Iran’s president suffers a ‘hard landing’
France 24
Rolex Second Hand: Authentic Pre-Owned Watches in the Bahamas (Learn More)
Rolex Second Hand: Authentic Pre-Owned Watches in the Bahamas (Learn More)
Lux Watches Bahamas
Nigeria Price Of Solar Panels: See How Much It Will Cost To Install Them (See Deals)
Nigeria Price Of Solar Panels: See How Much It Will Cost To Install Them (See Deals)
Search Ads
Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery in Port Harcourt: the Price Might Surprise You
Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery in Port Harcourt: the Price Might Surprise You
Liposuction | Search Ads
Discover the Magic of Mexico with Our Vacation Deals
Discover the Magic of Mexico with Our Vacation Deals
Mexico Vacation
TAGSJimmy ButlerLos Angeles Lakersmiami heatNBANBA RumorsNBA Trade Rumors
RELATED ARTICLES
JJ Redick, NBA, ESPN, Lakers
JJ Redick, James Borrego Likely Finalists For Lakers Coaching Gig
Sam Amico – May 30, 2024
NBA, Pacers, Pelicans, Brandon Ingram
Trade Proposal Sends Brandon Ingram To Pacers, Myles Turner And TJ McConnell To Pelicans
Ashish Mathur – May 30, 2024
Darvin Ham, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
Warriors Have Spoken With Darvin Ham About Assistant Coaching Role
Sam Amico – May 30, 2024
NBA, Heat, Warriors, Jimmy Butler
Warriors Expected To Show Interest In Jimmy Butler If Heat Shop Him
Ashish Mathur – May 30, 2024
LeBron James, Lakers, NBA
Lakers Prepared To Offer LeBron James Whatever Type Of Contract He Wants
Ashish Mathur – May 30, 2024
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, NBA
Report: ‘Realistic Chance’ Warriors Don’t Re-Sign Klay Thompson
Ashish Mathur
