Jimmy Butler has been a star in the NBA for a long time, and is currently the franchise player for the Miami Heat. In an interesting development, some reports suggest that Butler could be getting traded this offseason. Marc Berman has suggested that the New York Knicks could be involved in a Jimmy Butler trade.
This past season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, with 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. While these aren’t the numbers of prime Butler, they’re still good. He also brings elite defense, and a good shooting presence. He’ll be 35 before next season, however, and the Heat did not amount to much this past season. With good young pieces, the Heat could opt to trade him, and the Knicks could be the team.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
The Knicks have several good players who could be put into this trade, but some will be off limits. The former Villanova guys, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo have great chemistry and will be kept together. In order to match salaries, some decent players will have to be in the trade though.
Julius Randle is an option, but ideally, the Knicks can keep him. Given that he plays a similar forward/center role he may not have a spot on the Heat, as Bam Adebayo plays that role. Bojan Bogdanovic is a solid player but not as good as Butler, so using him in the trade could make sense since you’re acquiring him to upgrade. Mitchell Robinson may have to be in the trade as well, in order for money to work. Robinson is also potentially expendable if they move Randle to center full-time.
There will also have to be a filler in the trade for salary purposes. This would give the Knicks a small ball-style lineup, but should work. If he does end up being available, the New York Knicks will be looking at a Jimmy Butler trade. Below is a potential package of what could be traded.
Trade Package Idea:
New York Knicks Receive – Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat – Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Mamadi Diakite, 2024 Dallas Mavericks 1st Round Pick, 2025 New York Knicks 1st Round Pick
