The Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis to Dallas Mavericks trade might be the talk of the basketball world right now but it won't be long before Jimmy Butler's name is back in the headlines as he looks like to leave the Miami Heat.
Ahead of the upcoming trade deadline on February 6, it looks like a new team have entered the fray for Butler.
The New Orleans Pelicans are seemingly interested in potentially acquiring Butler from the Heat.
According to Adam Wells on Bleacher Report, per NBA insiders, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Pelicans "registered interest" in a Butler trade and could build a "firm offer" around Brandon Ingram's expiring contract.
The Pelicans are believed to have been exploring trade possibilities involving Ingram after failing to agree an extension with the former All-Star this past offseason.
The Heat face an even more difficult situation with Butler, who has made it clear that he wants to leave and has been suspended three times.
The Pelicans are having a difficult season and currently sit at 14th in the West with a 12-37 record and the playoffs are well out of their reach. Miami on the other hand are in 6th position in East.
Butler is believed to be hoping to land on a contender though, which makes it even more difficult for the Pelicans to pull off the trade.
Heats are in a promising position to make the playoffs this season. However, with the trade deadline fast approaching, they need to find a way to part ways with Butler as his situation is becoming a distraction for the organization.
Ingram is a good player for sure but he is no Playoff Jimmy. And given the conflicting reports in the media, it's uncertain whether the Pelicans are truly interested in Butler and if so, how genuine their interest is.
