Another mega-trade has reportedly been completed, with the Miami Heat finally getting rid of a headache. The Jimmy Butler enigma is now for the Golden State Warriors to solve. Several players were also involved in the package, notably Andrew Wiggins, who is going to Miami.
The full details of the deal might still change, as the situation remains fluid because the Heat and Warriors were above the apron before the trade. Other franchises that are involved include the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons.
The Charlotte Hornets weren't mentioned, despite their capability to be trade facilitators. Perhaps Miami and Golden State didn't want to shell out second-round picks, which would have given the Hornets little reason to crash the party.
The surprising trade could have major impact for Hornets
The Dubs acquiring Butler was a shock to many after the disgruntled star was reportedly unwilling to sign an extension with the club if he were to be traded there. As it turned out, he inked a $121 million contract that would keep him (if he doesn't force himself out again) in Golden State until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
The jury is out on whether the Warriors made the right move to commit to Butler when he has a history of creating drama wherever he goes. Moreover, giving the six-time All-Star that amount of money could limit the organization's chances of retaining Jonathan Kuminga, who will be a restricted free agent and could command a handsome contract this summer.
That's where the Hornets should swoop in because Kuminga can be the perfect fit — based on skill set and age — alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. His still-unrealized potential on offense would be able to help Charlotte in that department. Defensively, the 22-year-old has the length and athleticism to be a disruptive force in Charles Lee's scheme.
It was actually interesting that the Heat didn't demand Kuminga in their negotiations with Golden State. Maybe they realized they didn't have that much of a leverage after Butler tanked his value with his antics.
Still, Miami landing Wiggins should help it in the short term, as the 2015 Rookie of the Year can slot right into the squad's starting lineup and boost its quest to reach the playoffs. However, the following years are where it could get tricky for the Heat, as the former Warriors champion has become notorious for his inconsistency.
With Charlotte owning Miami's lottery-protected 2027 first-round selection, which could convey to the next year depending on the Heat's performance in the 2026-27 campaign and if they send their 2025 first-rounder to the Oklahoma City Thunder, there is a high chance that the Hornets could get another high-value pick a few years from now.