The Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler saga has yet to reach a conclusion, and whatever way it ends, chances are it won't be pretty for either of the sides.
The Charlotte Hornets could join the party as a trade facilitator. Doing so can provide the Hive with additional draft capital to help in its rebuild. The squad isn't as financially flexible as other teams under the cap, but since it is still below the first apron, it can tack on a bit more salary.
Even without getting directly involved in a Butler deal, Charlotte is likely monitoring the situation because it owns the Heat's first-round pick in 2027. And because of another trade and the Stepien Rule that prohibits teams from sending out first-rounders in consecutive years, the Hornets will get a first-round selection in 2028 instead if Miami can't reach the playoffs this season.
The Hornets might have what the Heat are looking for
Here's an intriguing thought: What if the Hornets do more than just be a spectator in the "Jimmy Buckets" drama?
The six-time All-Star has reportedly given his wishlist of trade destinations, and Charlotte is apparently one of them. Buzz City wasn't specifically mentioned, though, as the disgruntled star is supposedly welcome to be shipped anywhere except the Memphis Grizzlies (for some reason) as long as he is gone from Miami, per Marc Spears.
Does that mean he is open to playing for the Hive? Probably not, since the Hornets are still far from being contenders. However, there is the possibility of Butler considering suiting up alongside a roster that can eventually be stronger than the squad he led to the 2023 Finals. A core group of LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller has the potential to be the best set of teammates he has ever had in his career.
There might be a pathway to acquiring the five-time All-NBA selection if Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst are to be believed. The insiders said the Heat want a return consisting of a player who can help them win now, contracts that will expire by the summer of 2026, a promising prospect, and draft picks in exchange for Butler.
Interestingly, a package of Miles Bridges (who can slot into Miami's starting five immediately), Cody Martin (who will be a free agent in 2026 and whose twin Caleb thrived with the franchise some years ago), Vasilije Micic (whose contract has a team option for the 2025-26 campaign), and Nick Smith Jr. (a young talent) would financially work.
The draft picks involved are where it would get tricky, as the Hornets should hesitate to give up a valuable first-round selection. That's where the front office's negotiation skills could be tested.
Still, it doesn't mean if the Hornets can trade for Butler, they should.
Such a move is antithetical to the organization's roster-building vision. Taking a shortcut to possible success that could backfire drastically simply isn't the way to go.
Besides, giving up several assets to add a 35-year-old star with a history of causing drama is unlikely to end well for Charlotte.