Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Mavs, Rockets Linked; Heat Star Not Seen as Fit for Nets

If the Miami Heat decide to trade star forward Jimmy Butler, multiple teams with playoff expectations could be interested.

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, there has been "quiet discourse" in "league circles" about the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks potentially landing Butler.

The Brooklyn Nets were linked to the 35-year-old earlier in the season but he's "not viewed as a fit" for a Brooklyn team that's focusing on developing young talent, per Scotto.

Butler can hit unrestricted free agency in 2025 if he declines his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. In June, Shams Charania reported for The Athletic that the forward didn't plan on signing an extension with Miami or any other team before his opt-out window.

With Butler's long-term future as a member of the Heat uncertain, president of basketball operations Pat Riley may attempt to explore trades involving him if the team doesn't appear to be heading towards a playoff berth.

Miami currently sits at 9-9 through 18 games, but it also holds the No. 6 spot in an Eastern Conference that contains nine teams with losing records. With the Heat making the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed in 2023, Riley may be hesitant to move Butler even if his squad continues to hover around .500.

The six-time All-Star has suited up in 14 games this season. Butler has averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point territory.

If Butler is on the trade block, the Rockets and Mavericks likely won't be the only teams that could express interest. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Golden State Warriors "probably made a couple calls" to the Heat over the summer to "test the waters" regarding a potential swap.

A deal involving Butler doesn't appear to be imminent, but Riley shouldn't have an issue finding a willing partner if he eventually chooses to look for trades.