The Oklahoma City Thunder might emerge as a surprising destination for one of the trade market’s biggest names.
On Sunday, Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva suggested that OKC could get involved in a deal for Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat.
But who would OKC have to give up for Butler?
“With (Butler’s) $48 million contract set to expire, the buzz around his future is heating up, and teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Mavericks, and Suns have all been mentioned as possible destinations,” Leiva said.
“But here’s where things get interesting—the Oklahoma City Thunder are sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 20-5 record … Bringing in a star like Butler could be the piece that takes them over the top.”
“The Thunder also have a treasure chest of assets to work with, including young players and a mountain of draft picks. This puts them in a prime position to offer a deal that other teams simply can’t match. Adding Butler to their already exciting core could make OKC the team to beat in the West.”
Leiva envisioned OKC sending the Heat the following package for Butler: Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and four picks (2022 first via Utah Jazz, 2025 first via Heat, 2026 second, 2028 second).
“The Miami Heat would be getting a solid mix of young talent and valuable draft picks,” Leiva said. “The inclusion of two first-round picks in 2025 and additional second-rounders in 2026 and 2028 provides Miami with the flexibility to build for the future or use as assets in further trades.”
“On the flip side, the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the Western Conference, would be adding a seasoned veteran in Butler. … Imagine a lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jimmy Butler, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. That’s a blend of star power, versatility, and defensive intensity that screams superteam.”
Butler is in year two of a three-year, $146.4 million deal, which has a player option for next season that Butler has indicated but not officially said he might decline.
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