Marc Stein’s latest Substack column reveals that the Golden State Warriors are the most serious contender to acquire Heat star Jimmy Butler. Sources close to the team suggest they’ve expressed interest in making a significant move by the trade deadline, but there are concerns about Draymond Green’s ability to handle a similar playing style to Butler.
The Houston Rockets have plenty of assets to offer in exchange for Butler, but general manager Rafael Stone is hesitant to pursue a major in-season trade. The team has also made it clear that age considerations will be important, making it unlikely they’ll take on a 35-year-old player like Butler.
Financial constraints will likely prevent the Dallas Mavericks from getting involved, as they’re already carrying max contracts for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Butler’s $52.4MM player option for next season has made him open to pursuing free agency, and he refused to commit to finishing his career in Miami when asked.
Other teams that are being monitored include the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pelicans have no interest in fielding offers for Herbert Jones despite their poor start to the season.
The Sixers are not expected to be active in December due to KJ Martin’s ineligibility for trades until January 15. Scouts believe the Cavaliers will try to acquire another wing player before the deadline, citing concerns about their perimeter defense.
The Nets are likely to move swingman Dorian Finney-Smith or point guard Dennis Schroder due to financial constraints, but neither is expected to fetch a high draft pick in return. Finney-Smith’s expiring contract and player option make it unlikely he’ll attract many suitors, while Schroeder’s value lies in his ability to provide a backup point guard for a contending team.
Source: https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/12/steins-latest-butler-wizards-jazz-nets-h-jones-sixers-cavaliers.html