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[Saba Sports News] Despite the Miami Heat’s success with Jimmy Butler, including two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023 and an Eastern Conference Finals spot in 2022, rumors are swirling about his potential availability in the trade market.
While there’s no indication that the Heat are considering a trade, and Butler hasn’t expressed any desire to leave, teams like the Houston Rockets are keeping an eye on his situation.
Celtics legend Paul Pierce, however, thinks Butler would be a better fit with contenders like the Warriors or Bucks, rather than a rebuilding team like the Rockets, should he and the Heat part ways in 2025.
On a recent episode of Ticket & The Truth, Pierce explained, “Houston’s on the right track, developing their young talent. They fought for a playoff or play-in spot last season, showing real improvement. They’ve got the right veterans and don’t need an older player just to reach the playoffs.”
Pierce added, “But Jimmy to Golden State or Milwaukee? Now that makes sense. If I’m 35, I want to be somewhere with a real shot at a championship—somewhere I can be the final ingredient that helps push a team over the top.”
Butler joined Miami in 2019 after a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers following his trade from Minnesota, and he’s been instrumental to the Heat’s success ever since.