Where will Jimmy Butler land next? Trade Destination Odds and Predictions

With the NBA trade deadline less than a month away, there's trouble in South Beach.  Heat star Jimmy Butler has seemingly requested a ticket out of Miami. While rumors floated back and forth for quite some time, Butler confirmed the news in a press conference following a loss to the Indiana Pacers Thursday.

 (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Shortly after, Butler was suspended seven games by the Heat for 'conduct detrimental to the team.' While Butler's frustrations trace back to last season, his departure from Miami seems imminent. If the Heat cannot find a favorable trade suitor, can Butler patch things up with Pat Riley and company?

A six-time All-Star, Butler is in his sixth season with the Heat and failed to reach an extension with the franchise in the offseason. While it's unknown how this all unfolded, Butler took the Heat to two NBA finals appearances and has led the team to the playoffs each year since his arrival. 18-17 on the season, the former Marquette star has the best field goal percentage of his career at 55.2 %. Although Butler has been limited to 22 games on the season, the wingman is very much capable of playing at a high level.

Averaging a career 18.3 points per game, Butler is putting up 17.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 4.7 APG on the year.  Jimmy "Buckets" remains one of the best-way players in the NBA and will add instant value wherever the star is dealt. Deemed one of the toughest players in the NBA, will Butler land with a championship contender? While his scoring numbers are down, perhaps that will improve with a change of scenery.

• Let's analyze and break down Jimmy Butler's trade destination odds provided by Sportzino. In this article, I've predicted my top five next-team predictions for the South Beach Star.

Jimmy Butler Trade Destination Odds and Predictions

1. Field- Any other team (10 %, win odds: 9.2x on Sportzino)

Following the news of Jimmy Butler's trade request, the field is an intriguing grey area when it comes to the trade mix. While Sportzino lists the Heat, Rockets, and Warriors to potentially land Butler, I do believe another team could be in play.  Already stating the forward prefers to stay clear of Memphis and Milwaukee, below is a list of field teams that could use Butler's services:

Phoenix Suns

With a 16-18 regular season record, the Suns have underperformed largely due to injuries to Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Sitting outside the top 10 in the Western Conference, Phoenix makes the most sense for Butler. 2-8 in their last 10 outings, the big three have been limited to 10 games combined on the hardwood. Although 8-2 with the trio of Devin Booker, Beal, and Durant on the court, health is certainly a concern.

One of my most likely trade destinations for Butler, there's for sure been trouble in the valley. With Mike Budenholzer's recent benching of Bradley Beal, could the guard be shipped as part of a potential trade? If you didn't know, Beal was shipped from the Washington Wizards to the Suns back in 2023. Stating he "holds all the cards," Beal isn't wrong.

One of the few players in the NBA with a full no trade clause, Beal is in the midst of a five-year $251 million contract signed with the Wizards in 2022.

• In this case, Beal would have to approve if and where the Suns would trade him.

Is Bradley Beal A Road Block In A Potential Trade for Jimmy Butler?

No. 22 in defensive rating, Butler would sure boost the defensive side of things. Top 11 in offensive rating, it's unclear how Butler would fit alongside Booker and Durant. While Butler has endured injuries over the course of his career, the trade would provide a bit more stability. Beal hasn't played 60+ games since the 2020-2021 season.

Losers of five of their last six games, the Suns are desperate for a spark in the lineup. Does it really make sense for Phoenix to bench a 50 million year player?  I do believe if this trade will happen, a third team will likely get involved.

• Overall, the Suns traded away a majority of their draft picks to acquire both Beal and Durant. With a thin depth chart, the time for Phoenix is now.

San Antonio Spurs

A young promising team, the Spurs are 18-19 on the season, and currently hold the 10 seed in the Western Conference. Led by rookie Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are in a unique spot. Although 4-6 in their last ten games, San Antonio is filled with young talent. While rookie Stephon Castle is still developing an offensive game, Chris Paul was an excellent veteran pick up. They've had success all season long with a barrage of injuries.

Now is the perfect time to pair Wemby with an all-star caliber player in Jimmy Butler. Although Greg Popvich is out indefinitely with a health issue, San Antonio is the perfect destination for Butler to ignite his legacy. When you look back at Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker, the Spurs are a legacy franchise.

• No. 13 in defensive rating, Butler would pair well with Wembanyama, who leads the NBA with four blocks per game.

Lacking on the offensive end, Butler would provide much needed scoring. I still believe in Butler as a top 20 player, and the Spurs could use his scoring ability. Butler won't bring elite three point shooting, however his abilities are unique.

Jimmy Butler Can Enhance Legacy Alongside Victor Wembanyama

Overall, Keldon Johnson is a young talent that could be used in a trade piece. The Spurs have the draft assets to make this trade happen, which is something other teams don't have. Given Butler believes he is "still in his prime," perhaps swapping out Butler for Harrison Barnes wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Do I believe the Spurs will win a championship this season? No. I do believe in the long term plan and the rise of young talent in San Antonio. The Spurs would be a great destination for Butler to finish his career with and ride into the sunset.

• If this happens, I would expect Butler to receive an extension. This is my best bet for Jimmy Butler with the trade deadline looming.

2. Miami Heat (10 %, win odds: 9.2x on Sportzino)

Season Record: 18-17

Amid the trade saga, there's always another option, and that's for Jimmy Butler to finish out the year with the Heat. Although it's unclear if the relationship can be fixed, this isn't Butler's first rodeo with trade rumors. 18-17 on the season, the Heat aren't exactly out of playoff contention. I do believe the Butler's current state with the team doesn't have to do with lack of talent. The Heat have some serious hoopers in Tyler Hero and Bam Adebayo. The progression and development of Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes Miami attractive.

If the Heat don't receive adequate trade offers for Butler, I can't imagine Pat Riley pressing full send on any trade. Riley is a mastermind, and was hesitant to pull a Damian Lillard trade. Anthony Chiang, of the Miami Herald did report Butler will rejoin the Heat after serving a suspension, and will "play in games."

Well that makes things awfully chaotic and awkward in Miami. Will the ongoing drama start to trickle down and affect the rest of the team? Playoff contenders, the Heat hold the no. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

With a 6-7 record, it's clear as day the Heat need Butler on the court. Especially in high competitive games against the Celtics, Magic, and Pacers. Given the Heat owe Butler $48.8 million for the rest of the season, I truly can't see Butler sitting out of games or activities.

• I do believe the only way Butler stays is if Riley doesn't find the right package in return for the star. While it's worth monitoring, this may be the only option for both sides for now.

3. Houston Rockets (15 %, win odds 5.6x on Sportzino)

Season Record: 24-12

The second best team in the Western Conference, the Rockets are one of the most surprising teams this season. Ime Udoka has gotten his roster to buy in, including a plethora of young talent. While I expected Houston to compete, the success came sooner than anticipated.

Given the Rockets don't have an incredibly high payroll, the Rockets are on the books for a little over $162 million. That breaks the barrier above the Wizards, Spurs, Magic, Jazz, and Pistons. A championship contending team, now is the time to trade for Jimmy Butler.

No.3 in the NBA in terms of defensive rating, the Rockets barely allow opponents to top the 107 point mark. With Butler, Houston can rise atop the defensive standings. He's has the perfect mix of versatility, experience, and grit that Houston would need to capture a championship.

The Rockets certainly have the assets, although it's unclear whether a trade will disrupt their flow. I always go by the term, "If it ain't broke don't fix it," and this may be the case for the Rockets.

If they do decide to trade for Butler, it would be interesting which player would be part of the package. With the rebuild paying off, we are seeing the emergence of Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. I do believe the drafting of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore as absolutely brilliant. If they add Butler, Houston has a ton of draft picks to give up.

Then again, I do remember Houston's big push to acquire Butler from the Timberwolves back in 2018.

• While this makes the most sense, the Rockets aren't on my high list of destination predictions. Perhaps Houston may continue to rebuild on their terms.

4. Golden State Warriors ( 25 %, win odds 3.6x on Sportzino)

Season Record: 18-18

With a 25 % chance to land Jimmy Butler on Sportzino, the Warriors could use all the help they can get. Starting off as one of the hottest teams in the league, Golden State sits as the no. 9 seed at 18-18. Although recently trading for veteran guard Dennis Schröder, the Warriors need a splash to compete in the West. If Golden State is a serious championship contender, Steph Curry needs more around him.

The question remains, how well would Butler fit into Steve Kerr's culture?  We are talking about a team that's won four championships since 2014.4-6 in their last ten games, the Warriors are in real danger of falling below .500.

Stating he wants to "get his joy back," what better option would Butler have than playing alongside Curry in the Bay Area. A franchise notorious for winning, Butler could finally get an opportunity to capture a ring. If he is dealt to the Warriors, it's all but confirmed Dub nation would most likely have to part ways with Andrew Wiggins or Jonathan Kuminga.

• Overall Butler would ignite much needed defense and playmaking, which is on par with Draymond Green and Steph Curry. While Curry believes to still be in his prime, now is the time for Golden State.

Jimmy Butler Is The Perfect Star To Pair With Steph Curry

Although the Warriors would have to give up key pieces, the thought of pairing Curry with Butler is enticing. While it's unknown whether the combo is enough to win a championship, Butler would make an instant impact.

Golden State's opportunity to win a final championship with Steph Curry is dangling right in front of them. The current roster is not suitable to compete with top teams in the western conference. No. 9 in defensive rating, Butler would solidify this team defensively, and give them a much needed scoring boost.

The Warriors have two playmakers in Green and Curry, and it's unclear how Butler would fit into a three-point heavy scheme. Only time will tell, however, it makes sense for both sides. Of all my predictions, this seems the most likely.

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