The Dallas Mavericks just lost the cornerstone of their organization, Luka Doncic, for at least a month with a calf strain.
This would bring Doncic back into the equation roughly two weeks before the trade deadline at the earliest. If the Mavericks crumble without their superstar playing on a nightly basis, it could tempt the front office to bring in more star power. One of the most likely options in this scenario is Miami Heat veteran star Jimmy Butler.
The $146 million six-time All-Star was recently predicted to land in Dallas by Bleacher Report by giving up quite a lucrative haul.
Mavericks receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, 2026 first-round pick swap, 2031 first-round pick swap
Even though Heat team president Pat Riley publicly stated the front office is not trading Butler, speculation will continue up until February’s deadline. Considering Butler is well past his prime at 35 years old, giving up this strong of a package is unlikely. Removing Thompson, the five-time All-Star, from the deal would be much more realistic.
Instead, the Mavs could offer a package centered around Washington, Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Naji Marshall, and draft capital. Not only would this allow coach Jason Kidd to keep a ‘Splash Brother’ in the rotation, but he could even become a superstar sixth man.
Unless the Golden State Warriors are prepared to move the majority of their future for Butler, this is arguably the best hypothetical return out there.
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