NBA insider confirms what Heat fans have suspected about Jimmy Butler's future

The Miami Heat are set to begin the regular season but have a major question mark hanging over their heads. Star Jimmy Butler isn't under contract after next season and even if he were, his age at 35 years old suggests that he may soon decline. Either way, the Heat will soon have to figure out their next move involving Butler.

They opted against extending him over the summer after he asked for a 2-year, $113 million extension that would pay him $65 million a season until he's 37 years old. Given that price tag, they were likely wise not to do so but if he hits unrestricted free agency, then he may leave for nothing.

That has led to a lot of speculation about whether he will be traded during the season, especially if the Heat fall behind in a stacked Eastern Conference. ESPN's Tim MacMahon stated as much recently on the Hoop Collective podcast.

“If you talk to people around the league and say, ‘Who’s the next big-name or star-caliber player who gets traded?’ there are at least some eyes on Jimmy Butler,” MacMahon stated.

Will the Miami Heat look to trade Jimmy Butler this season?

Whether the Heat will look to trade Jimmy Butler this season will depend largely on how well they play over the first half of the year. If they are hovering around the eighth seed near the trade deadline, then that might convince them to hold onto him and make one last playoff push.

If they don't ultimately end up winning the championship, then he may very well peace out in free agency but may need Miami's help to do so. Few teams can meet his contract demands, which would likely result in a sign-and-trade. That would give them the best of both worlds, with them being able to play out the string with him and give the Heat at least some assets in return for their best player.

What could the Miami Heat get for Jimmy Butler if they were to trade him?

That would depend on whether Miami waits till after next season or decides to move him at the trade deadline. Moving him at the trade deadline would probably net them more assets, with several teams possibly lining up to acquire him.

As far as a return, the Heat could get several rotation players for him, largely due to teams having to match salaries and many of the interested teams being playoff teams. One such trade package could include Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, D'Angelo Russell, and possibly even a protected first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers.

It is unclear if the Heat would consider moving him midseason. But if they are out of the playoff race and Butler seems unlikely to re-sign, it makes sense to trade him and improve their lottery pick. Therefore, it is at least possible that Butler will be on the move this season.