The Miami Heat had somewhat of a curious offseason regarding their franchise player Jimmy Butler.
Heat president Pat Riley spoke scathingly of Butler during a postseason presser, specifically criticizing Butler's availability. Recent reports from ESPN's Brian Windhorst (relayed by Bleacher Report's Adam Wells) indicate that Butler is interested in signing another contract with Miami. But are the Heat fully in on Butler?
Whatever the situation may be, things have been murky enough in Miami for a Butler trade to be possible.
Riley is looking at the 35-year-old Butler and realizing now might be the last opportunity to get a great return in a trade involving Butler, thereby launching Miami into a new era built around 27-year-old stud All-Star Bam Adebayo.
As Riley scans the league for potential Butler suitors, the Houston Rockets could emerge as a team that provides an enticing package.
What if Riley asked the Rockets for rookie Reed Sheppard, along with Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr., in exchange for Butler?
Miami would be getting a tough-nosed defender in Brooks who perfectly fits their culture, not to mention two young talents to join with 23-year-old Jaime Jaquez and 21-year-old Nikola Jović, setting up a period of extended relevance for the Heat.
Smith's value in the NBA is still not solidified, but he's shown promise and comes with team options over the next two seasons if Miami's ultimately disappointed.
Sheppard has looked exceptional so far in summer league and practice sessions to the point that some are wondering whether he should have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Sheppard's skill set as an elite shooter also fits in Miami's system like a glove.
The only downfall to this trade might be that Houston wouldn't want to part with Sheppard, in which case Miami might ask for Amen Thompson instead. Would Houston still not budge?
A Rockets core of Butler, Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and one of either Sheppard or Thompson might be difficult for Houston to turn down.
Butler to the Rockets could work for everyone involved.
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