Heat Acquire Ideal $163 Million All-Star In Proposed Blockbuster With Warriors, Kings

Anthony Pasciolla | Jan 3, 2025

Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball as Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat don't need to trade star Jimmy Butler just because he requested a trade.

The Heat's alternative option is to allow Butler to walk in free agency this offseason, opening up a hefty amount of cap space. However, the front office runs the risk of the six-time All-Star opting into his player option.

It may be smarter for the Heat to explore a three-team deal that brings a younger star to Miami. FanSided proposed the following blockbuster between the Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings:

Heat receive: De'Aaron Fox, Gary Payton II

Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler

Kings receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, 2 first-round picks (via MIA, via GSW)

The Heat would need to acquire Fox, who should be their ideal trade target, through a move, not free agency. He is under contract next year before hitting unrestricted free agency in the 2026 offseason.

From a fit standpoint, this deal makes sense for all parties involved. The Heat add a new star alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, the Warriors bring in a true No. 2 option next to Stephen Curry, and the Kings jumpstart what feels like an inevitable rebuild.

Unless Heat team president Pat Riley has a drastic change of heart, Fox needs to be the No. 1 player on their trade target list.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.