4. KD goes to South Beach
Trade rumors are just heating up for Butler. The 6’7 wing lifted the Heat to two NBA Finals in the last five years but has struggled to stay healthy. He was injured during Miami’s first play-in game this season and missed their entire first-round playoff series versus the Celtics.
Things are complicated here. Pat Riley is always chasing the next star, but he threw cold water on trading Butler during his end of the season press conference. The Heat are also projected to be over the first tax apron. Teams over the limit cannot take back more salary than they send out in a trade. It forces them to involve a third team to make the math work. Riley may struggle to pass on KD if he becomes available.
The Heat get Kevin Durant and can immediately chase a championship with their new star duo. This trade gives KD the freedom to be the alpha and operate with the ball in his hands more. Can he lift the Heat as Butler has done in recent years? There is no question he is a superior scorer.
The Suns get a proven winner in Jimmy Butler and two first-round draft picks to make further moves. They should target a defensive anchor and a point guard to organize their offense. This trade could make Phoenix an immediate threat, especially if they use the draft capital wisely.
Trading one star for another does not happen often in the NBA, but both teams need a shakeup. It is more likely that the Suns trade Durant to a team chasing a star.