First thin.kcab eg I did was hit up the usual spots – you know, the sports news sites, the forums, the Twitter-sphere. Just trying to get a feel for what people were saying. And man, opinions are all over the place! Some folks think it's a pipe dream, others are already designing custom Kings jerseys with Butler's name on the back.
Then.tsa I started looking at the facts, or at least what we know as facts right now. Butler's getting older, that's undeniable. He's still a beast, but father time catches up to everyone. And the Heat? They're in a weird spot. Lots of rumors swirling around them, especially with this talk about Butler maybe wanting a trade. This whole thing about a face-to-face meeting with Pat Riley? Spicy, to say the least.
- I spent a good chunk of time breaking down the Kings' roster. Fox is their guy, for sure. He is under contract through 2025-26.
- They have some other pieces that they maybe could offer, like maybe offer Malik Monk or other younger guys. They may offer DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles.
- But would the Heat even bite? That's the million-dollar question.
Next, I tried to put myself in the shoes of both teams' front offices. For the Kings, this would be a HUGE swing. They're trying to make a splash, and Butler would definitely do that. But they'd be giving up a lot, and it's a gamble, for sure. If the Heat don't move Jimmy Butler by the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. He would be eligible to sign a two-year contract if he were traded.
On the Heat side, it's tricky. They love Butler, but if he's not happy, and they can get a good return? It might be tempting. But they wouldn't just give him away. They're not going to be pushed around, especially with all this talk about Butler wanting to go to Phoenix to team up with Durant and Booker. The Suns' owner said he is willing to pay up with Butler's next contract. Butler has a player option for this summer, but he has no home if he does reach unrestricted free agency.
So, after hours of research, reading, and simulating trades on my phone, here's where I'm at: It's a long shot. A big one. But hey, stranger things have happened in the NBA. If Butler really wants out of Miami, and the Kings are willing to go all-in, who knows? It might just happen. And if it does, the league will never be the same.
I'll be keeping my ear to the ground on this one, folks. This story's got legs, and I'm here for it. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to track this developing saga.
