According to All U Can Heat’s Jack Simone, the Heat could include Butler in a multi-team trade with the 76ers and Pistons. The Heat would receive Paul George, the 76ers would receive Butler, and the Pistons would receive Josh Richardson.

For example, the Heat can’t take back more salary in a trade than it sends out as a team above the first apron. Then teams above the second apron like the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks can’t aggregate salaries in a trade or send out cash in a trade, along with not being able to take back more salary in a trade than they send out.

Jimmy Butler has been the hottest name in NBA trade chatter since the calendar flipped to 2025. The swirling rumors are expected to continue until he’s dealt, gets a new contract with the Miami Heat and/or the Feb.