Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images / Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesStar forward Jimmy Butler could see a change of scenery sooner than anticipated if the first half of the regular season does not go as planned for the Miami Heat.

 sending Butler to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a major package highlighted by No. 2 pick Jalen Green. Miami would also receive Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, a 2027 first-round pick (via PHX) and a 2028 first-round pick in return of this potential deal.

Unless the Rockets are determined to compete for a title next season, trading away Green is not in their best interest. The shaky start to his career is overpowering the All-Star level play the 22-year-old illustrated in the second half of last year. He averaged 19.6 points and 5.2 rebounds on 42.3 percent shooting in 82 appearances last season. He still holds a serious chance of evolving into the Rockets’ franchise cornerstone.

For the Heat, a backcourt tandem of Tyler Herro and Green should steer them elsewhere. Both score-first guards tend to favor less than ideal looks, leading to mediocre efficiency. The Heat would need a secondary trade involving Herro to compete with All-Star Bam Adebayo and Green at the helm.