Jimmy Butler, a 35-year-old star, is on the hunt for a team that will not only pay him well but also give him a real chance at that elusive championship ring. Currently, the Miami Heat aren't ready to offer the extension his camp desires. Butler makes $48.8 million and has an option worth $52.4 million for next season, which he reportedly plans to decline.

Jimmy Butler's NBA Drama Unfolds

The Mavericks Dilemma

The thought of Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler forming a trio is both terrifying and potentially combustible. Sharing the ball with Luka and Kyrie might lead to diminishing returns for Butler. Moreover, the Mavericks would need to give up three rotation players like Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford, along with possibly more assets. A consolidation trade just doesn't make sense for them.

Butler's salary is a significant hurdle, and making such a deal would require a major overhaul of the Mavericks' roster. It's a complex situation that raises questions about whether the Mavericks are truly ready to make a move for Butler.

The Suns Scenario

There is some logic in the idea of Butler joining the Suns. Bradley Beal openly admitted that the Heat was his preferred trade destination before landing in Phoenix, so he might be willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, due to salary-cap complexities, either Josh Richardson would need to be sent from Miami to Phoenix, or a third team would be required.

Phoenix would love to upgrade from Beal to Butler as he offers more defense and downhill shot creation. But Miami has concerns about Beal's albatross contract with three years and $161 million remaining. Letting Butler walk for nothing might be a better option for the Heat instead of taking on Beal's contract.

The Rockets Possibility

General manager Rafael Stone downplayed the possibility of trading for a star this season. He said he'll pick up the phone if someone calls but not expect fireworks. Any deal with the Rockets would likely involve Fred VanVleet. While Butler is better than VanVleet in some aspects, FVV is the heart of Houston's new culture.

Dillon Brooks, Jock Landale, and a young player like Reed Sheppard or Jabari Smith could be packaged together. Or Brooks could be combined with Steven Adams and Jae’Sean Tate, along with draft picks. But for now, the Rockets seem content with their young core and aren't actively pursuing a trade for Butler.

The Warriors Option

Butler's grit and intensity would fit well in Steve Kerr's system alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors have the contracts like Andrew Wiggins and De’Anthony Melton, along with young sweeteners like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, or Moses Moody to make a deal happen.

However, there is a catch. The Warriors are only considering trading Kuminga because they might have made a mistake in drafting him in 2021 when Franz Wagner was available. Kuminga has been inconsistent throughout his career, shooting only 33.6% from 3, 35.9% on midrange pull-ups, and 69.4% from the line. It's a risky move for the Warriors, and Miami would need to be convinced by the package offered.

The State of the Heat

Miami can ride out the situation with Butler through the trade deadline, regardless of whether they decide to buy or sell. The summer opens up more options with teams having cap space, sign-and-trades, or opt-in-and-trade scenarios.

The Heat are starting to perform well, winning seven of their last 10 games. Bam Adebayo has shaken off his early-season struggles, and Tyler Herro has taken a significant leap. Herro's transformation is remarkable, as he has eliminated unwarranted midrange shots, increased his 3-point volume, and become more effective at attacking the rim. He has also added playmaking to his game, making him a true All-Star candidate.

Other Theoretical Fits for Butler

The Sixers

Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler have a great bromance. A potential trade could involve Butler for Paul George, which would add more downhill attacking to the Sixers. But sacrificing George's knockdown shooting upside is a concern. The Sixers already have a lot of ball-handlers, and it's not the same as the old days when only Ben Simmons could generate shots. Whether the Heat would actually want George is a big question.

The Sixers are an interesting option, but it might be more theoretical than practical. Butler's addition would change the team's dynamic, and it's a decision that requires careful consideration.

The Lakers

Incoming future picks from the Lakers are valuable assets considering the uncertain future of LeBron James. A trade could involve D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent (welcome back to Miami!), and Jaxson Hayes.

Adding Butler would make the Lakers older, and it depends on whether they are ready to go all-in on one last LeBron-era push. There isn't much that excites Miami about this deal except the picks. It's a stretch to imagine the Lakers making a major trade for Butler.

The Nuggets

The Nuggets need more shot creation, and sending Michael Porter Jr. in a trade for Butler could be a solution. MPJ is one of the best shooters in the NBA and is 6-foot-10. Spoelstra could unlock his potential in ways the Nuggets haven't.

A deal could involve MPJ, Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saric, and a pick for Butler and Haywood Highsmith. Denver is already last in 3-point attempts and would sacrifice more shooting. But without Nikola Jokić on the floor, their offensive rating drops significantly. Butler could provide the spark they need, and Jamal Murray could thrive off-ball in MPJ's vacated spots. Financially, it also makes sense as Denver has repeater tax headaches next season.

Among all the hypothetical landing spots, the Nuggets seem like the cleanest match. And when compared to the teams Jimmy reportedly wants, the Warriors stand out as a strong contender. But for now, Miami still offers a compelling case with no state income tax and a talented roster.