Hoops Habit
Fansided

Miami Heat: A 3-team Jimmy Butler trade proposition

BySimon Smith|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 1, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 1, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
4 of 4
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The trade

Here’s an overview of the deal, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine:

For the Heat:

Pros: Gaining the services of arguably a top-10 player in the league represents an enormous flip for the Heat. While it’s admirable that head coach Erik Spoelstra and his coaching staff have been able to squeeze as much as possible out of the existing roster, this is only going to take the franchise so far.

An elite defender and with the proven ability to play both on and off the ball, Butler’s shot creating and playmaking abilities will prove invaluable in his new surroundings.

Cons: Clearly the biggest sacrifice in the deal is Bam Adebayo. Just turned 21, Adebayo burst onto the scene after being chosen No. 14 overall in 2017, and displayed an elite level of athleticism and lateral quickness considering his 6’10” frame. While the Heat will still have the duo of Hassan Whiteside and Kelly Olynyk at the center spot, Adebayo’s overall versatility and untapped potential would certainly represent a significant loss.

In addition, James Johnson and the overall package he brings to the team at both ends of the floor would be missed. Hampered through much of last season with a sports hernia, Johnson seems set to produce a bounce-back season, and despite being 31, is still more than capable of producing at a high level for a number of years.

The clear risk in acquiring Butler, aside from the knee surgery sustained last season, is the uncertainty in his status beyond this season. While the Heat will back themselves and their culture in presenting the best argument for Butler to stay, forfeiting two players in addition to a first round pick without any guarantees is a risky business.

For the Timberwolves:

Pros: With Wiggins already on the books and Towns due an extension after this upcoming season, freeing up future cap space is a huge coup. Furthermore, with Millsap in tow, the Timberwolves will have a full season to adjudicate just how well he fits in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system, and thus contemplate whether to continue with the veteran beyond this season.

Also, the addition of Adebayo gives Thibodeau an array of options at both ends of the floor. With an ability to cover players both inside and on the perimeter, combined with a raw but potentially dangerous offensive game, Adebayo has the time and skill level to form a lethal frontcourt partnership with All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. Furthermore, having an additional first round pick on the books provides the team a great deal flexibility when making future decisions down the road.

Cons: Clearly the loss of a player who was selected to the All-NBA Third Team despite playing only 59 games is hard to cover. Given they posted a 37-22 record (51-win pace) with Butler in the lineup, the onus will naturally be on the younger Timberwolves to step up to the plate this season.

For the Nuggets:

Pros: The addition of forward James Johnson is an underrated move in the overall deal. While Johnson somewhat disappointed last season after signing a four-year deal last summer, his overall play on the court with center Kelly Olynyk would certainly not have gone unnoticed by the Nuggets’ front office. While not on the same level as Nikola Jokic, Olynyk’s ability to play as a face-up center and stretch the floor, while providing additional playmaking skills, certainly draws comparisons to the Nuggets big man.

Overall, the Heat were 12.1 points per 100 possessions better off on the offensive when Johnson shared the court with Olynyk. Furthermore, with his ability to cover almost every spot on the floor defensively, Johnson would certainly bring a lot of the table for the Nuggets at both ends of the floor.

Cons: Johnson is owed $45.4 million over the coming three seasons, with the final year being a player option. While he’s still just 31, the concern would clearly center around the final year of his deal at age 34, and whether he’s still producing at a level justifying his salary.

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/976096020269383680

Overall, the deal possesses aspects that benefits each franchise moving forward.

The Heat gain a legitimate star, the Timberwolves gain both current and future assets, while the Nuggets, never known as a free agency destination, gain a veteran forward who fits like a glove with their overall system and style of play.

Home/Miami Heat