Jimmy Butler Reportedly Interested in Possible Sign-and-Trade With Miami Heat
By Karl Rasmussen
Jimmy Butler's future is just as cloudy as any of the coveted free agents on the open market, but it's highly unlikely he returns to Philadelphia next season.
He's been linked with a possible sign-and-trade to the Houston Rockets, but it seems he has his sights set on another location, according to ESPN.
Jimmy Butler could show interest in a potential sign-and-trade scenario with the Miami Heat, per @espn.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 29, 2019
Butler, who was linked to the Heat after demanding a trade from Minnesota last year, is still keen on heading to Miami, and is reportedly interested in finding a way to Florida via a sign-and-trade deal. Both Miami and Philly are strapped for cash, so this may be the only possible way for Butler to join the Heat.
Miami is not expected to contend this coming season, though the addition of Jimmy Butler would certainly land them in the postseason. With a core of Butler, Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, the Heat could be a real threat in the East, especially if the NBA's landscape shifts back to a dominant Western Conference in free agency.
The Rockets believe they have a trade partner for Clint Capela but do not intend to deal Capela unless they are sure they can acquire marquee Sixers free agent Jimmy Butler, according to a source briefed on Houston's thinking
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2019
If Butler doesn't end up in Houston, there's a real chance that he finds a way to Miami. While it's unclear if Miami is willing to part with some of their assets in a sign-and-trade deal, I'd expect them to at least pick up the phone, especially given that's practically their only shot at landing a top free agent.