If you’ve been keeping up with NBA rumors, you’ve got an eye on the Los Angeles Lakers. If not, go use your search engine of choice. Look up “NBA offseason rumors”. We’ll be here when you get back.
What’s that? You only found Lakers rumors? We thought so. This team is the focal point of the rumor mill lately. It seems like the Lakers will try to trade for a star this offseason.
Typically, they’re linked to guards. This roster would indeed benefit from adding an upgrade in their backcourt. Could the Lakers take another route by acquiring Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G/F Austin Reaves, G/F Gabe Vincent, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Jimmy Butler
The Heat have been unusually quiet on the rumor front lately. Perhaps that’s because they just made a big deal. The Heat acquired Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline.
Typically, this team is in the rumors. Why is that? For the same reasons the Lakers are typically in rumors. The Heat play in one of the most desirable markets in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That won’t guarantee them any success. Look at the Heat – for that matter, look at the Lakers. These teams are both having disappointing seasons in 2023-24. Is it time for the Heat to move on from Butler?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
This is not the type of move that Miami normally makes. Normally, they refuse to rebuild. Perhaps they should make an exception. This team appears to have hit their ceiling when they reached the 2022-23 NBA Finals.
They could prove us wrong. If Miami makes another deep playoff run, we’ll eat our words. They’ll hang onto Butler. Otherwise, it could be time for the Heat to look to the future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This should be the market value for an aging Butler. The Heat are receiving a pair of first-round picks and a couple of solid young players. Should the Lakers give that much up for Butler?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Some will question the logic here. Don’t the Lakers need a better shooter than Butler? Perhaps. On the other hand, they could double down on their current philosophies and lean into an identity.
Imagine a frontcourt of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Butler. The sheer physicality of that group could overwhelm opponents. Meanwhile, Butler is a capable playmaker who can take some pressure off of James.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers will need to make additional moves. They could look to flip D’Angelo Russell for an elite shooter. Either way, this would be a huge talent upgrade for the Lakers. It may not be the rumor you’re hearing – but don’t rule it out.
