When Pat Riley called out Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler for his recent comments about the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, some thought it signaled the beginning of the end of Butler’s time in South Beach.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned the Philadelphia 76ers as a team to monitor for Butler, who previously played for the franchise during the 2018-19 season.
However, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald threw some cold water on that idea in a new column.
“Even if the 76ers offered their three available first-round picks and three first-round pick swaps, it seems unlikely that would entice Miami, which loathes the idea of trading All-Star-caliber players for draft picks,” Jackson wrote.
As for dealing Butler in general, Jackson said he would be against it, but it’s not an impossibility depending on how the offseason unfolds.
“First step of my master plan is try to avoid trading Butler. … as for likelihood of trade, it’s certainly not out of question.. but I certainly can see him possibly here next season too. Lot depends on if he asks out,” Jackson told a follower on X/Twitter.
The 76ers and Heat are both coming off first-round playoff exits this year, with Butler missing Miami’s entire series against the Boston Celtics due to injury.
The 34-year-old forward averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 60 games this season.