A star player trying to force his way to a new team is an annual occurrence in the NBA. And this season, that star wrapped up in a dream is Jimmy Butler.

Even though Butler has said he doesn’t believe he can find joy in playing basketball in Miami again, his seven-game suspension is nearing its end without a trade in sight.

Since that’s the case, it’s time to break down the team’s rumored as possible destinations for the six-time All-Star.

Phoenix Suns 

From the moment Butler was hinting at wanting out of Miami, the Suns were brought up as a team that would be interested in acquiring the NBA veteran known for stepping up his game during the playoffs. Phoenix is also a team in desperate need of an injection of new life.

At 19-19, the Suns have been underachieving based on their high expectations and Butler would actually fill their main need. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are two of the best pure shooters in basketball, but Butler could provide a two-way player willing to do the dirt work. Adding Butler would help boost the Suns defensively and bring toughness to a group often criticized for being soft.

There’s only one problem, and it’s a big one. Bradley Beal would have to be part of the trade, for both basketball and salary reasons. Unfortunately for the Suns, Beal seems unwilling to waive his no-trade clause to make a deal for Butler possible.

Milwaukee Bucks 

If Phoenix can’t make a deal work, the Bucks are another interesting option. Joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in Milwaukee would offer Butler a legitimate chance to compete for a championship.

Butler would also enjoy clear lanes to the paint, with the opposition forced to pay attention to both Antetokounmpo and Lillard at all times. Longtime Buck Khris Middleton would likely have to be involved in a trade for Butler, causing some fans to be upset about the thought of losing a popular player and concerned about disrupting chemistry.

Despite the fit, it does seem hard to imagine the Heat handing Butler over to a team they are jockeying for position with in the Eastern Conference.

Golden State Warriors

The thought of Butler on the Warriors would’ve seemed odd a few years ago, but this could be the only way for Golden State to become a true contender in the immediate future.

With Klay Thompson in Dallas, Stephen Curry is in need of a new co-star, and Butler is a player willing to do anything it takes to win — an attitude appreciated within the Warriors’ culture. He doesn’t have the shooting touch of Thompson, but Butler can find ways to score and would offer help defensively as well.

Golden State is known for making moves and going all in, and at 19-19, it needs a trade like this in order to have a real chance.

Houston Rockets 

While most feel Houston is still a piece away, the Rockets are currently the No. 2 seed in the West. Fred VanVleet knows what it takes to win a championship from his time with Toronto, but Houston is mostly an inexperienced team that could benefit from a player willing to push his teammates like Butler. To make the Rockets even more intriguing, Butler was born and raised in the Houston area.

It’s no secret Butler wants to win wherever he is, granted a large part of his issue with the Heat stems from not being rewarded with a max extension.  

Heat president Pat Riley is also known as someone unwilling to simply acquiesce to player demands so there’s no telling where he may actually end up sending Butler.

As the Miami Heat continue to navigate the 2022-2023 NBA season, speculation surrounding the future of star forward Jimmy Butler has intensified. The 33-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of the Heat’s success since joining the team in 2019, has a player option for the 2023-2024 season. With his future in South Beach uncertain, the Heat may consider trading Butler to acquire valuable assets and set the stage for a new era in Miami. Here are some potential trade destinations for Butler, along with the implications for both the Heat and their hypothetical new partners.

1. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets, seeking to contend for a championship with their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, could be an ideal trade destination for Butler. The Heat would likely demand a significant package in return, including a combination of young players, draft picks, and/or veteran role players. For the Nets, acquiring Butler would provide them with another elite scorer and playmaker, bolstering their already formidable roster. The addition of Butler would allow the Nets to create a more balanced and versatile lineup, potentially alleviating some of the offensive burden on Durant and Irving.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers, in need of a reliable second option to complement LeBron James, could be another potential trade suitor for Butler. The Heat would likely seek a package centered around young players and/or draft picks, as the Lakers have limited assets due to their high-profile roster. For the Lakers, acquiring Butler would provide them with a proven scoring threat and a versatile defender, helping to address their vulnerability at the forward position. The addition of Butler would also allow the Lakers to better space the floor around James, potentially improving their overall offensive efficiency.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers, seeking to bolster their roster and contend for a championship in the Eastern Conference, could be an intriguing trade destination for Butler. The Heat would likely demand a package centered around young players and/or draft picks, as the 76ers have limited assets due to their high-profile roster. For the 76ers, acquiring Butler would provide them with another elite scorer and playmaker, complementing their existing core of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. The addition of Butler would also allow the 76ers to create a more dynamic and versatile lineup, potentially alleviating some of the offensive burden on Embiid.

4. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors, aiming to return to championship contention following a tumultuous 2021-2022 season, could be another potential trade destination for Butler. The Heat would likely demand a package centered around young players and/or draft picks, as the Warriors have limited assets due to their high-profile roster. For the Warriors, acquiring Butler would provide them with another elite scorer and playmaker, complementing their existing core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The addition of Butler would also allow the Warriors to create a more balanced and versatile lineup, potentially alleviating some of the offensive burden on Curry.

In conclusion, the Miami Heat’s potential trade of Jimmy Butler could have significant implications for both their franchise and their hypothetical new partners. Each of the aforementioned destinations – the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors – offers unique benefits and challenges for both the Heat and their potential trading partners. As the Heat continue to evaluate their roster and long-term plans, the potential trade of Butler could set the stage for a new era in Miami, while also providing a valuable asset to a contending team in the process.