NBA fans may be in for a boring trade deadline. It’s a buyer’s market. By all appearances, teams aren’t looking to part with a significant number of assets to improve.
That won’t stop us from dreaming. The NBA is an unpredictable place. It’s possible that tomorrow, we’ll see a blockbuster deal that nobody was expecting. A contender with a surplus of assets could decide to shock the world.
Take the Oklahoma City Thunder. This team has more draft capital than any NBA team has ever accumulated. They’re also in contention for an NBA title. Could they shock the world by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Josh Giddey, G/F Ousmane Dieng, 2025 First-Round Pick (MIA via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Jimmy Butler
The Thunder are a contender with assets. That puts them in a rare position. Typically, we expect contenders to spend whatever they have left to get where they are.
That’s part of why this is a buyer’s market. The contenders have all spent. Some teams would like to improve but can’t afford to do it. As a result, teams are placing more value on their assets. If other teams aren’t moving anything, why should they?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
It’s as complex of a market as any other. A number of factors determine how the deadline unfolds. Could the Thunder subvert expectations and broker a blockbuster with the Heat?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The Thunder are surely a candidate to make a blockbuster. Still, they should be picky with their assets. The Thunder shouldn’t simply make a win-now trade. They should hold out for the right player.
That could be Butler. The Thunder have developed a defensive identity. Butler fits the bill. They could also use some secondary playmaking and tough shot-making behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Butler can provide that as well.
Is he a perfect fit? Perhaps not. Some Thunder fans would prefer a floor spacer. Yet, the Thunder is taking a flyer on a star here at the cost of, effectively, Dort, Dieng, Giddey, and a pair of firsts.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Dort is good, but he’s expendable. Giddey and Dieng may not be part of their future anyway, and the Thunder have picks to spare. Should the Heat accept their leftovers?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
This won’t be an easy decision for the Heat to make. Butler was the heart and soul of their Finals run last season. With that said, it seems likely that the Heat peaked during that legendary run.
If so, they could justify retooling. Bam Adebayo is still young enough to build around. Tyler Herro is, as well. Miami doesn’t need to hit the bottom of the NBA standings. They’re simply flipping Butler for some assets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Meanwhile, Giddey has struggled in Oklahoma City this year. This is a player with notable flaws. He’s still a sound playmaker with plus positional size. Dieng has star potential as well. If this deal goes down, the deadline won’t be so boring after all.
