NBA expert Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer has suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers could be considered as a potential trade partner for Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler.
Butler is eligible for an extension this offseason. He could be dealt if the Heat do not offer him a maximum extension.
“This is just me talking; I didn’t ask anybody any questions or anything like that,” Pompey told Anthony Pasciolla of Inside The Heat. “But if they (Miami) were prepared to move Jimmy — I’m not sure if they are — the Cleveland Cavaliers are the team I’d pay attention to. Because Rich Paul stated that if Donovan Mitchell is given an extension, it is likely that Darius Garland will be released.
“That is what the reports suggest, but I believe it is now up to Cleveland to make a decision. But I am not sure if Jimmy would want to go there.”
Butler will earn $48.8 million next season. He has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025–26 season.
In the first round of this year’s postseason, the Heat were defeated in five games by the Boston Celtics. Butler did not play due to a knee issue.
Butler, a six-time All-Star, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games this season. He shot 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia Sixers, and Miami Heat. He has earned five All-NBA and five All-Defensive teams.
Mitchell is likely to get a $200 million contract extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Garland might be dealt if Mitchell gets an extension.
The Cavaliers won seven games over the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs before losing five games to the Celtics in the second round.
