NBA Trades: 6 teams that could lure Jimmy Butler away from the Heat next summer
By Cal Durrett
New York Knicks
After an exciting offseason, the New York Knicks core seems to be set for the foreseeable future. However, that might not be the case with all-star Juius Randle eligible for an extension for an eye-popping 4-year, $181 million extension. He probably won't get that from the Knicks and there is some question as to whether he could get $40+ million from another team.
The Knicks probably would trade him before he got to free agency in 2026, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes that he would be "extremely tradeable." If Butler is made available and Randle is also on the trade block, then a swap during next season might make sense. If Butler does become a free agent, then New York could work out a sign and trade with Miami if they are interested in receiving Randle to pair with Bam Adebayo.
A starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Miles Bridges, OG Anunoby, Jimmy Butler, and Mitchell Robinson would be a more versatile lineup that would have plenty of length and positional size. They'd also have two big game performers in Brunson and Butler, making the Knicks a tough out in the playoffs. It may be a long shot, but perhaps not impossible for New York.