The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a third star and will need to explore potential blockbuster trades to have a chance. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposed an “all-in” trade pitch for the Lakers to land Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler.
The proposal involves the Lakers sending Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two future first-rounders (2029, 2031) to Miami. In return, Los Angeles would receive Butler and Thomas Bryant from the Heat.
“The Lakers’ third-star search could take them in various directions, but what about toward South Beach and their biggest adversary in the 2020 Finals?” Buckley wrote in a May 29, 2024, article titled, “1 New Trade Idea for Every NBA Team.” “While the Heat say Butler isn’t available, and most analysts agree, if extension negotiations get awkward—as they already have—things could change quickly.
“L.A. should have an all-in offer ready just in case. Butler wouldn’t solve the Lakers’ shooting issues, but he’d enhance their offense as a scorer, creator, and downhill attacker.
“… To complete this deal, the Lakers would need to duck below the first apron, which could happen if either D’Angelo Russell declines his $18.7 million player option and leaves or LeBron James returns at a salary less than his max.”
Lakers Rumors: Do They Have Enough Assets for a Blockbuster Trade for Jimmy Butler?
Bleacher Report labels this an “all-in” deal for the Lakers, but it’s unlikely to appeal much to the Heat. To move on from Butler, Miami would likely need another star or a plethora of draft picks.
Butler still has two seasons remaining on a three-year, $146 million contract, with a $48.7 million cap hit in 2024-25. He also has a player option for 2025-26, meaning he could be a free agent in 2025. Trading Butler could give Miami something in return if they believe the six-time All-Star doesn’t want to stay.
Heat Rumors: Jimmy Butler Wants to Stay in Miami Despite Trade Chatter
Miami has downplayed the idea of trading Butler, but Heat president Pat Riley did not seem ready to sign him to a new deal. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Butler wants to stay with the Heat.
“[Jimmy Butler] has always made it clear he wants to be in Miami long term, it’s going to be about whether they can pay him what he wants,” Charania noted in a May 7 episode of “Run It Back.”
Lakers Rumors: Butler Would Give LA a New Big 3
Forming a new big three with Butler, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would make the Lakers must-see TV. Adding the potential of drafting LeBron’s son Bronny James in 2024, the Lakers could have a highly entertaining offseason.
While this deal might provide the NBA world with plenty of content, it likely holds little appeal for the Heat. Even if Butler indicates he doesn’t want to re-sign with Miami, the Heat could likely land a better player than Reaves. However, it will be worth watching if the Lakers try to get involved should Butler become available.
