Butler is under contract for $49 million this season with a $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season. However, he is expected to decline the option and become a free agent, which has added urgency to Miami’s decision-making. The Heat and Butler did not agree to an extension last summer, signaling a potential openness to parting ways.
Reports suggest that Butler is expected to opt out of his current deal in the offseason, signaling his intent to become a free agent. By exercising this option, Butler positions himself for a potential new contract, offering both financial flexibility and the chance to explore other opportunities.
League sources report that Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated the player is open to being traded to specific destinations.
"Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks) and the Golden State Warriors. Butler is a native of Houston, Texas. Above all, though, he is believed to prefer a win-now title contender in any trade."
Among the preferred teams are the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors, with Butler prioritizing a win-now contender. As a Houston native, a return to Texas holds personal appeal, but his ultimate preference is to join a team ready to compete for a title.
Miami has hovered around the play-in tournament over the past two seasons, and their current 12-10 record reflects a team struggling to regain its status as a top contender.
While Butler has remained professional and productive, averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on a career-high 55.7% shooting, his reduced shot attempts (11.3 per game) suggest he’s less of a focal point than in previous years. The Heat might see trading Butler as an opportunity to reset their roster and acquire assets for the future.
The Golden State Warriors emerge as a top candidate, actively searching for a star to complement Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Adding Butler would bolster their roster with veteran playmaking and defensive versatility, especially as they transition Jonathan Kuminga into a larger role. The Warriors’ recent pursuit of stars like Lauri Markkanen and Paul George underscores their aggressive approach to the trade market.
Butler’s Texas roots make the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks appealing options. The Rockets are an up-and-coming team with cap space and draft assets to entice Miami, while the Mavericks could pair Butler with Luka Doncic to create a formidable duo capable of contending in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers are another intriguing possibility. Adding Butler to a roster featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis could provide the defensive tenacity and leadership necessary to push the team into championship contention. For the Lakers, acquiring Butler may represent their last chance to maximize LeBron’s remaining prime years.
While trading Butler would mark the end of an era, Miami must weigh the potential return against the risk of losing him in free agency for nothing. With Butler’s preference for competitive teams and the Heat’s fluctuating success, this decision could significantly impact their short- and long-term future.
The next few weeks will be crucial for both Butler and the Heat, as trade talks intensify, and contenders line up for the chance to acquire one of the NBA’s most reliable postseason performers.
