The Miami Heat have been a classic overachieving team over the last five seasons, but they have clearly maxed out their potential by now, and they could be about to make at least one big change.
There have been trade rumors swirling around Jimmy Butler, their biggest star, and those rumors have heated up in recent days as it is starting to become apparent that there is a real chance they trade him in the coming weeks.
Suddenly, an unexpected team — the Phoenix Suns — emerged as one of the teams he wants to be traded to, and per Evan Sidery, the Suns are now his top preference.
The Suns are Jimmy Butler’s top preferred trade destination, per @Gambo987.
The reports that Butler will eventually be traded from the Heat are true, and Phoenix is a serious contender to eventually land him. pic.twitter.com/FtlTSUeB43
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 12, 2024
At first glance, the Suns may seem like an unusual choice, given that they already have three legitimate stars in Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, not to mention almost no draft picks available to trade.
The thinking is that Phoenix could land Butler for a package centered around Beal, but it is unclear how interested they are in the six-time All-Star.
Butler came to Miami in 2019 at a time when his reputation was less than sterling, but he instantly made a young and undermanned Miami team into a playoff squad.
In 2023, the Heat returned to the championship series, and the year prior, they were one win and perhaps a Butler 3-pointer in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals away from getting to the Finals.
If Butler does end up in Phoenix and remains spry at age 35, his leadership and clutch abilities could be just what Phoenix needs to win their first world championship.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Why The Heat Are Interested In Trading Jimmy Butler
