Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal 

We almost included Benedict Mathurin in this deal. Almost. 

The problem is that Butler is 33. He should be aging out of his prime at any moment. The Pacers would likely flinch at including the Rookie of the Year candidate unless they were giving up significantly less draft capital. 

Unless the Heat believe that Mathurin is a franchise player, they should take the draft capital. They’re receiving little else here – Smith holds some intrigue, but all of the veterans involved are simply salary fillers. 

On the other hand, that’s how you get four first-round picks for a 33-year-old – you don’t ask for much else.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat & Indiana Pacers Updates

This deal leaves the Heat with some exciting young players in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, and a decent collection of draft capital. 

Should the Pacers give so much up for Butler?