Jimmy Butler’s three teams he would like to be traded to, with the Heat open to offers

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is expected to hit free agency after the 2024-25 season, but with the trade period starting Dec. 15, it’s possible Butler leaves Miami sooner than expected.

There are three teams Butler is specifically interested in transferring to, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. Those teams are the Golden State Warriors (who showed interest a few months ago), the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Butler is from Houston, Texas, which is where his interest in the two Texas teams comes from. It would be a homecoming of sorts for the NBA star if he landed with one of these teams.

It’s important to note that the Heat are also “open to offers” from teams interested in trading Butler, but according to Charania, the deal needs to be “right” in order for it to work out during the season.

Should Butler end up with one of these three teams, he will likely be in playoff contention as all three are currently in the playoffs. This also applies to Butler’s Heat from now on. Making the playoffs would be important for Butler, as he has reached the postseason in 12 of his 13 NBA seasons.

The 35-year-old forward is making $48.8 million in the final year of his contract with the Heat. He also holds a $52.4 million player option for 2026, but Butler already intends not to sign the player option next summer.