Grade the Trade: Would the Heat agree to the deal?
After a disappointing first-round exit, the Heat will have to decide how to proceed forward. Butler, who missed their series against the Boston Celtics, reportedly wants a $113 million extension despite being 34, and the Heat may not want to pay Butler around $65 million a season in his mid-30s.
That might mean that he will be available this summer, and this hypothetical deal might be enough to get the Heat to strongly consider moving their best player. Pincuss proposed deal would have them send out Butler, Herro, the 16th overall picks in this year's draft, and a 2030 first-round pick while getting back Garland and Kuzma, as well as a $13.4 million trade exception. That would be quite the return for the Heat, though they'll have to weigh the cost.
Garland would likely cost two or three first-round picks, while Butler could potentially draw two firsts himself. Additionally, Herro and Kuzma probably have similar values. So by that logic, the Heat would give up an extra first-round pick in the deal.
That wouldn't be ideal, but moving on with a core of Bam Adebayo, Garland, and Kuzma, with role players such as Terry Rozier and Jaime Jacquez Jr., would be. Thus, the Heat would probably still agree to the trade.