Inside The Heat

Heat Predicted To Land $158 Million All-Star In Major Move Sending Jimmy Butler To LA

Anthony Pasciolla

Jan 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and guard Tyler Herro (14) are introduced during pregame ceremonies before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and guard Tyler Herro (14) are introduced during pregame ceremonies before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The reality is the Miami Heat likely don't care if star Jimmy Butler is happy with his next destination but are much more concerned with their return package.

Assuming this is the mindset Miami's front office has, a three-team trade is arguably their best route. This allows the Heat to move Butler to a contender while also landing themselves with win-now talent.

The Los Angeles Clippers are off to a better start than most anticipated with a record of 20-15. With Kawhi Leonard's debut occurring on Jan. 4, it may be worth going all in for another championship run. If the Clippers' front office is swayed to make a blockbuster move, Newsweek predicted the following trade could take place:

Heat receive: Brandon Ingram, P.J. Tucker, a 2025 first-round draft pick from the Clippers, and a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Norman Powell, Nah'Shon Hyland, Terance Mann, and a 2031 first-round draft pick from the Clippers

Clippers receive: Jimmy Butler

With the exception of Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox, Ingram is likely the best player the Heat can add in return for the six-time All-Star. This trade allows them to prolong their championship window with a Big Three of Ingram, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo.

This hypothetical trio doesn't intimidate the powerhouses of the Eastern Conference, but luckily there wouldn't be pressure to win right away.

MORE HEAT NEWS

Heat Add Promising Guard Duo In Proposed Blockbuster Involving Jimmy Butler

NBA Insider Reveals When Miami Heat Plan To Trade Jimmy Butler

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.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com