Report: Miami Heat Not Seeking Long-Term Contracts In Jimmy Butler Package

Sean Jordan | Jan 5, 2025

Dec 8, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler's (22) looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images / Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

With the Jimmy Butler trade rumors, many are wondering what the Miami Heat could receive in a package for the disgruntled star.

The Athletic reported the Heat are not looking to acquire a big long-term contract in a trade.

"One thing league sources seem to agree on is that Miami does not want to take back a large amount of long-term money in a Butler deal", the article said. "As a destination organization in a desirable city without state income tax, the Heat are well-positioned to persuade high-end players to join a team that already has strong building blocks in Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and others."

One of Butler's reported preferred destinations are the Phoenix Suns. The Suns would be financially able to make a deal with Miami only if Bradley Beal is included. Beal's $50 million salary this season is hard for many teams to match in a trade. He has one more year along with a player option at the end of his contract. With these new reports, it is implied the Heat have no interest in acquiring Beal.

A potential Butler trade could be similar to the James Harden deal last season. The 76ers moved their star for a trio of veteran players on one-year contracts.

The Heat are still in playoff contention. Their goal is to build around stars Herro and Adebayo. With Butler's contract off the books in a trade, money will open up for the Heat to make a splash this summer if they don't acquire an expensive long-term contract in return.

The trade deadline is Feb. 6.

Sean Jordan is a contributor to Miami Heat On Sports Illustrated. He can be reached at sjorda06@syr.edu.

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