Puzzling NBA trade rumors link Heat to $179 million sharpshooter | Sporting News
There have been some reports that the Heat could add Trae Young while keeping Butler, solidifying their title chances, but most of the mock trades Miami has been included in involve parting ways with the six-time All-Star.
However, a recent proposal lands a career 40.9% 3-point shooter, although the Heat would gut their depth to land him.
Amid a disappointing start from the Denver Nuggets, it’s clear that there isn’t enough bench talent in the Mile High City. On Wednesday, FanSided’s Michael Saenz proposed a deal that would send Jamie Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith, Duncan Robinson, and second-round picks to Denver in exchange for Michael Porter Jr., who has three seasons remaining on his contract.
Since the 2022-23 season, Porter Jr. has averaged 17 points and shot 40.3% from behind the arc. He is a defensive liability, but Butler and Bam Adebayo would be able to mask any shortcomings. He would space the floor for a Miami starting lineup that, outside of Tyler Herro, does not have a reliable volume shooter. Point guard Terry Rozier is shooting 43.5% to start the season, but his career average of 36.8% suggests that his efficiency is not sustainable.
The Heat value Jaquez Jr. very highly, but they would be able to keep starting power forward Nikola Jovic on the roster, who is a prized young player. Adding Porter Jr. would not stop the Heat from targeting a premier point guard in free agency in 2025, which includes James Harden and Kyrie Irving as options, should they opt-out.
The Heat, under Pat Riley, are unlikely to part with their home-grown talent, but for a chance to win their first title since 2013, it might be too good of a chance to pass up and would allow for Adebyo and Butler to play to their strengths in their final season together.
