Miami Heat Deal Jimmy Butler, Acquire Top-2 Pick In Potential Blockbuster Trade

Anthony Pasciolla | 2 Hours Ago

Apr 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Star forward Jimmy Butler could see a change of scenery sooner than anticipated if the first half of the regular season does not go as planned for the Miami Heat.

Bleacher Report recently proposed a blockbuster trade sending Butler to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a major package highlighted by No. 2 pick Jalen Green. Miami would also receive Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, a 2027 first-round pick (via PHX) and a 2028 first-round pick in return of this potential deal.

Unless the Rockets are determined to compete for a title next season, trading away Green is not in their best interest. The shaky start to his career is overpowering the All-Star level play the 22-year-old illustrated in the second half of last year. He averaged 19.6 points and 5.2 rebounds on 42.3 percent shooting in 82 appearances last season. He still holds a serious chance of evolving into the Rockets' franchise cornerstone.

For the Heat, a backcourt tandem of Tyler Herro and Green should steer them elsewhere. Both score-first guards tend to favor less than ideal looks, leading to mediocre efficiency. The Heat would need a secondary trade involving Herro to compete with All-Star Bam Adebayo and Green at the helm.

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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.