Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler expects to be traded. In an interview, Butler said, “ I’m happy here off the court but I want to be somewhere dominant.” He requested his trade after playing against the Indiana Pacers, scoring only nine points in 27 minutes. 

Butler had few opportunities for shots against the Pacers. Regardless, he feels he still has momentum. “Whether I score nine or 29 points, I will always compete. Just because my usage is down and I don’t shoot the ball much doesn’t mean I don’t play hard.” Butler’s stats say differently. He has consistently averaged 20 or more points per game for the last four years. He also has decreased in assists and steals and is taking less shots at a higher field goal percentage.

The Golden State Warriors are one of the main contenders for picking up Jimmy Butler. He  would most likely take the spot of Andrew Wiggins in the warriors starting five. The starters of Stephen Curry, Dennis Schroder, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis would be an undeniable threat in the Western Conference. Yet, in order to get Butler, the Warriors would need to trade Dennis Schorooder and maybe another depth piece such as  Moses Moody.

Butler has expressed interest in playing for the Phoenix Suns. The Miami Heat would love to make a trade with the Suns for shooting guard Bradley Beal. However, Beal has a no trade clause on his contract, preventing this deal from happening. Butler also is currently serving a seven game suspension from the Miami Heat. On top of that, his age is a problem that will definitely make it harder to get him traded to a contending team.

Jimmy Butler has enough talent left to keep competing at his current level for the rest of the season and maybe into a deep playoff run. If he gets on a playoff contender he’s likely to be a powerful game changing player like he was in the 2023 playoff. But past that and into next year he might not produce as well as he did during the prime of his career.