Still an All-Star: Where Will 35-Year-Old Jimmy Butler Land Next?

Late last night, NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell: the Miami Heat are open to listening to trade offers for Jimmy Butler. According to sources, Butler’s camp has indicated that he is open to joining either of the Texas-based teams—the Houston Rockets or Dallas Mavericks—or the Golden State Warriors. Born in Houston, Butler reportedly wants to join a team capable of contending for a championship immediately.

This news might seem sudden, but it’s not entirely unexpected. Since joining the Heat in 2019, Butler has spent six seasons in Miami, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances against all odds. He also pushed the Boston Celtics to a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals in 2022, narrowly missing another Finals berth. Butler’s tenure with the Heat has undeniably been successful, elevating his Hall of Fame case while earning him substantial rewards, including a four-year, $142 million max deal in 2019 and a three-year, $146 million extension in 2023.

Yet, discontent seems to have grown this offseason. Reports surfaced that Butler wanted a two-year, $113 million max extension, which the Heat were unwilling to offer. This impasse has created tension between the two sides. With Butler earning $48.8 million this season and holding a $52.4 million player option for 2024-25, he could opt out next summer and leave Miami empty-handed if a more lucrative deal comes his way. In this context, the Heat’s willingness to explore trade options for Butler becomes understandable.

Butler’s Current Value and Production

Despite being 35 years old, Butler remains one of the league’s most effective players. This season, he has appeared in 17 games, averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 32.1 minutes per game. His scoring average is the lowest of his Heat tenure, even dipping below his first season’s 19.9 points per game. However, Butler has never been known for gaudy regular-season numbers. His career-high scoring average is a modest 23.9 points per game (2016-17).

What makes Butler invaluable is his efficiency. Despite a reduced usage rate of 20.8% and fewer shot attempts (11.3 per game), Butler is posting career-best shooting numbers: 55.7% from the field, 36.0% from three, and a true shooting percentage of 65.2%. Though his three-point shooting is on limited attempts (1.5 per game), his finishing near the rim remains elite. Butler has converted 68.0% of his shots within five feet of the basket, going 66-for-97 in that range.

Additionally, Butler’s ability to draw fouls remains one of the league’s best. He’s averaging 7.5 free-throw attempts per game, converting 78.7% of them. While his efficiency at the line is slightly lower than in previous seasons—he shot over 85% from the stripe in the past two years—it still underscores his knack for getting to the line.

Advanced metrics further highlight Butler’s continued impact. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.9 ranks 8th in the league, while his Box Plus-Minus (BPM) of 5.5 is 15th. Despite modest traditional stats and a mediocre team record (12-10), Butler’s advanced numbers prove he remains a highly impactful player. When Butler is on the court, Miami’s offensive rating is 117.3, with a net rating of +4.9. When he sits, the Heat’s offensive rating plummets to 107.9, and their net rating falls to neutral.

Why a Butler Trade Makes Sense

The decision to consider trading Butler stems not only from the Heat’s reluctance to meet his contract demands but also from concerns about his age and the team’s future. While Butler is still performing at an All-Star level, his $50+ million annual salary through his mid-30s represents a significant risk, especially for a Heat team that has struggled with consistency this season.

This situation mirrors what happened with Paul George last year. George, like Butler, reached a contractual impasse with his team and ultimately opted out to join the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the Los Angeles Clippers with nothing in return. The Heat are understandably wary of a similar scenario playing out with Butler.

Potential Landing Spots

If Butler is indeed traded, where might he go? The current rumors point to three primary suitors: the Rockets, Warriors, and Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks

Let’s start with Dallas, which seems the least likely destination. After a shaky start to the season, the Mavericks have found their footing and are climbing the standings. Their current roster appears to be clicking, and they lack the assets to make a competitive offer. Considering that even a player like P.J. Washington recently commanded a first-round pick, Butler would likely cost at least two first-rounders. The Mavericks may not have the requisite draft capital or young assets to meet Miami’s demands.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are a more plausible destination. According to Shams, Golden State is actively pursuing an All-Star caliber player to pair with Stephen Curry. The Warriors have a strong package of young talent, including Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga. While the Warriors are rich in assets, it remains uncertain whether they’d be willing to part with key young players like Kuminga or Podziemski, who are highly valued by head coach Steve Kerr.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets seem like the most logical landing spot. Butler’s Houston roots make the connection compelling, and he aligns well with head coach Ime Udoka’s defensive-minded philosophy. Adding Butler could provide the Rockets with the veteran leadership and playoff experience they need to make a leap in the Western Conference.

Houston also possesses the assets to facilitate a trade, including young players, draft picks, and expiring contracts. With Butler’s ability to elevate a team in high-stakes situations, his presence could turn the Rockets into a legitimate contender in the short term.

Butler’s Legacy and Future

When Butler joined Miami as a free agent in 2019, few expected the transformative impact he would have on the franchise. Over the past five years, he has redefined Heat culture, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the team’s success and proving his doubters wrong time and again.

Now, at age 35, Butler finds himself at another crossroads. While questions about his age, contract, and longevity loom large, his current production and playoff pedigree ensure that teams will line up for his services. Whether it’s Houston, Golden State, or another contender, one thing is clear: Jimmy Butler still has plenty to offer, and his next destination could shape the NBA’s title race.