Would Jimmy Butler Be Open to Joining Detroit Pistons?

With Jimmy Butler desiring a trade, could the Detroit Pistons be on his radar?

Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles as Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In a scenario where the Detroit Pistons decide to roll the dice on a win-now acquisition through the trade market, the Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler could be an option.

When Butler’s name initially reached the trade rumor mill, it was suggested there were only a handful of teams he was open to playing for. To no surprise, the Pistons were not on that list.

After a Heat loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, Butler was straightforward about where he’s at mentally while playing for the Heat. The All-Star wants out.

“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball," Butler told reporters. "Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon, but I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to someone dominant, I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”

oh dear. pic.twitter.com/NQvgFsENGO

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 3, 2025

Where is he willing to go? Apparently, anywhere else.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler officially requested a trade this week. Unlike most stars today, Butler does not have a list of preferred destinations to put in front of Miami’s decision-makers.

“He is open to playing anywhere other than Miami and believes he can make any team a contender, no matter where he is moved,” Charania reports.

It appears that Butler would be open to joining the Pistons—along with 28 other teams.

ESPN story with @WindhorstESPN: Jimmy Butler has indicated to the Miami Heat that he wants the team to trade him and is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.https://t.co/6BovsL2qdi

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2025

Should the Pistons Roll the Dice?

Acquiring a star player while hovering around the Play-In would be a gamble for Detroit.

Landing a star player, who is likely a half-season rental at this point, would be like playing the lottery.

Butler’s experience and skillset would undoubtedly help the young team’s potential postseason push, especially with Cade Cunningham’s co-star Jaden Ivey suffering a long-term injury earlier this week.

But the Pistons have to keep reality in check. They might be ready for the playoffs, but they aren’t a Butler away from landing in championship contention.

The Future Plans That Matter

Weeks ago, it was made clear that Butler has intentions of declining his looming player option for next season this summer so he can become a free agent and reset his own market.

According to Charania, the situation remains the same.

“Teams have been informed that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July, sources said.”

If the Pistons want Butler bad enough, they can pursue him next summer without giving up any assets now. Seeing as though Trajan Langdon isn’t in a championship-or-bust position with his job, the Pistons will continue operating like a team more on the rebuilding side.

With that said Butler is still a name to keep an eye on. While the Pistons might not join his current trade market, his recent request could shake up the Eastern Conference.