The Miami Heat do not like to lose. This is their reputation around the NBA. If the Heat don’t have a competitive team, they’re likely to try to change that as soon as possible.
Recently, they haven’t been especially competitive. The Heat were supposed to get better when they acquired Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets. So far, it hasn’t gone that way. The Heat are on a nasty losing streak as of this writing.
Sure, they could try to get better. On the other hand, some have suggested that the Heat peaked when they reached the NBA Finals last year.
Could they make an uncharacteristic move by sending Jimmy Butler to the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Mitchell Robinson, G/F Josh Hart, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Jimmy Butler
Put differently, the Heat don’t tank. Go ahead and pick a random point in this organization’s history. There’s no guarantee that Miami were in contention for an NBA title. On the other hand, you can rest assured that they weren’t trying to lose.
It makes for an interesting organizational ethos. The Heat are always respected as an organization. That means that they’ve always got a chance to bring in star talent. Why don’t other teams adopt this philosophy?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, New York Knicks Updates
Well, other teams aren’t based in South Beach. The Heat have a tremendous market advantage over most of the league. With that said the Knicks have that same advantage. Should they trade for Butler?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Heat have been losing far too many games lately. By contrast, the Knicks have looked strong. After trading for O.G. Anunoby, the Knicks look a star away from true title contention.
That star could be Jimmy Butler. Sure, he’s aging. Butler hasn’t been quite as productive this year as he was last year. He’s also a notorious playoff riser. When the games count, Butler typically delivers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks could help preserve him for that playoff run. This team’s offense could continue to run through Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, with Butler as an overqualified third option. When the playoffs come, Butler could be their alpha dog.
Should the Heat part with that type of playoff performer?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
This won’t be an easy decision for the Heat. It will fly in the face of their typical decision-making process. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. The Heat should, at the very least, be entertaining offers for Butler.
Sure, they made the Finals last year. The Eastern Conference has only gotten stronger since. The Heat are on a losing streak, and Butler isn’t getting any younger.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, New York Knicks Updates
Here, they’re moving him for an expiring contract in Fournier. They’re also getting a quality player that they don’t need in Robinson – they could move him next summer. Throw in an elite 3-and-D wing like Hart and a pair of first-round picks, and who knows? The Heat may be able to stomach losing – for a while, anyway.
