Former Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo believes that the Los Angeles Lakers are a trade destination that would bring the best out of star Jimmy Butler.
Butler has been in and out of the lineup for Miami (due to suspensions), and he recently asked to be traded from the franchise. While the Heat have yet to grant that request, it’s possible that they make a move in the coming days with the league’s trade deadline quickly approaching.
“There’s a few teams that I think Jimmy could fit on,” Oladipo said. “Me, preferably, I mean Phoenix obviously would be nice for him. I like the Lakers for him too, honestly. I know that might sound random ‘cause it’s him and LeBron [James] and they’re a little similar, but I think that star power – him going to L.A. will bring out the best in him.”
It’s unclear if the Lakers would consider making a deal for Butler, especially since they’d likely have to give up several role players to make a deal work with Miami.
Plus, Los Angeles tried and failed to have a third star next to James and Anthony Davis when it traded for Russell Westbrook a few seasons ago.
Butler is under contract for the 2024-25 season and has a player option worth more than $52 million left on this deal for the 2025-26 campaign. If he decides to opt out of that, a team dealing for Butler this season may only get him as a rental.
The Lakers, who are currently the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, may not be willing to part ways with valuable assets to take on Butler’s deal unless they know he’d be staying in Los Angeles for the long haul.
Butler has appeared in just 25 games for the Heat this season. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 54.0 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from 3. A five-time All-NBA selection, Butler has taken a step back as a scorer and is averaging his fewest points per game since his third season in the NBA.
While Butler has been to the NBA Finals twice in Miami, it appears that he’s on his way out from the franchise either this season or in the coming offseason.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Lakers pursue the six-time All-Star as they look to gear up for a deep playoff run later this season.
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