The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are headed for an inevitable divorce. The franchise is looking to move off Butler after suspending him for seven games as they negotiate with teams. While his public request has hurt the trade return for Butler, the Heat can still walk away with a hefty return.
The Memphis Grizzlies would be an ideal trade partner for Butler in a deal. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to move off Brandon Ingram. Could the Pelicans be the perfect third team in a deal that helps the Heat stay competitive and get Butler to Memphis?
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Brandon Ingram, Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jimmy Butler
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, Haywood Highsmith, Josh Richardson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MEM)
The Heat make the most of a bad situation by walking away with two win-now players like Ingram and Smart. The Pelicans get assets for an expiring contract while the Grizzlies take massive steps toward contention by landing Butler.
The Heat Maximize The Return For Jimmy Butler
The Heat make the best of a bad situation by landing two game-changers. The 17-16 franchise has no incentive to tank and land a high pick when they're in contention for a top-six Playoff berth.
Brandon Ingram ($36.0 million) was averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season before being sidelined with injury. Ingram is expected to return soon and will be the perfect scoring wing for the competitive Heat. His on-ball skills as a playmaker will also come in handy for the franchise in a Playoff setting.
Marcus Smart ($20.2 million) is averaging 9.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Grizzlies. He'd be the perfect defensive complement to Tyler Herro in the backcourt, helping the Heat regain a defensive edge in their starting five.
Losing Butler is a blow but this is the best way for the Heat to still retain competitive assets on their roster. It puts them in a position to contend this season as well as beyond rather than punting on Butler for mediocre assets.
The Grizzlies Become Contenders
The Grizzlies are on the cusp of contention with a 23-13 record this season. The No. 3 seed in the West needs to consolidate its excessive depth into a Playoff caliber rotation. Adding Jimmy Butler ($48.7 million) is the ideal star fit for them right now.
Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season, which is thoroughly unimpressive. He's been dissatisfied in Miami and his play has suffered but a move to the Grizzlies would rejuvenate him. With a motivated Butler looking to justify a max contract extension, the Grizzlies would be among the Bonafide contenders in the West.
Butler gives Memphis a new dimension on offense, providing great link-up passing while being a stable on-ball primary option instead of the Grizzlies. He would match their defensive effort and be an on-court leader like one they haven't had before.
Importantly, the Grizzlies maintain their star trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Butler would fit perfectly amongst them and be in a position to make his two-way skillset shine.
The Pelicans Get Assets For A Lost Asset
The Pelicans season has come to an unceremoniously early end this season as injuries have ruined all competitive hopes the franchise had. With Ingram in a contract year and the parties already having failed extension talks, it'd be best to move him as quickly as possible.
They get role players from the Grizzlies like Brandon Clarke ($12.5 million), who's averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds this season. Luke Kennard ($9.2 million) is averaging 8.4 points and 3.2 assists on 44.6% from three while being on an expiring contract.
Clarke's deal will be expiring next season and shouldn't restrict any future mobility for the Pelicans. In the meantime, Clarke would be a solid big-man addition who can be moved into additional assets. Kennard could see the season out with an increased opportunity in New Orleans or be moved on to a team looking for a shooter.
This deal will allow the Pelicans to move on from Ingram for a healthy return and a first-round pick courtesy of the Grizzlies for facilitating this deal. It would be a solid return for a player they could lose for nothing, or fewer assets, in the summer.
The Perfect Deal For All
This is a perfect situation for all three parties. The Grizzlies land a certified star who can fit into their style of play and give them a Playoff edge they've previously lacked. The Heat land two players who can contribute to a winning season while the Pelicans get solid assets for a player expected to leave in the summer.
Ingram would be the perfect complementary option to Herro on offense, giving the Heat two solid on-ball creators. His improved passing can help facilitate opportunities for others as well. Smart's defensive vigor will fit perfectly in with the Heat and give Bam Adebayo some much-needed help.
The Grizzlies add a proven winner to their roster for a bargain price. It helps rid the excessive weight of their roster and helps them focus on building a Playoff rotation. This helps the Heat and Grizzlies' contention hopes while boosting the inevitable Pelicans rebuild.
