The Lakers could find a way to acquire Jimmy Butler and create a new Big Three in one of three different trade scenarios.
There isn’t a secret anymore that Jimmy Butler’s time with the Miami Heat is numbered. Following several strong seasons, Jimmy Butler has pushed for a max extension this year, citing his $52.4 million player option for the upcoming season.
However, Heat President Pat Riley appears reluctant to meet those demands. In fact, Riley’s pointed remark at the end of last season that Butler should “keep his mouth shut” marked the start of a growing rift.
What began as subtle tension has escalated dramatically, with Butler publicly stating that he no longer feels he can play with “joy” in Miami. The situation took another turn when the team handed Butler a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the organization, and that seems to be the end of that.
Only the Phoenix Suns seem to be interested in paying Butler a lucrative deal, but that doesn’t mean we can discount the presence of the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise historically known to go after the best available superstars. Despite the Lakers trading D’Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith, they aren’t done just yet. With LeBron James (24.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 8.9 APG) and Anthony Davis (26.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG) still competing as arguably two of the 10 best players in the world, the time to win is right now with only the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets realistically looking like the strongest foes in the Western Conference (in terms of comparable superstar talent).
It might be a dream for the Lakers to acquire Butler and we have three different scenarios where it could be possible. A Big Three with James, Davis, and Butler would make them favorites in the West, and Butler might be willing to stay longer in Los Angeles if he is traded there. Let’s jump into three trade scenarios where Butler could become a Laker.
Trade Scenario No. 1 (High-Risk, High-Reward for Lakers and Heat)
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent
In this trade, the Lakers acquire Jimmy Butler at the expense of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent. For Los Angeles, this is a high-stakes move aimed at maximizing LeBron James and Anthony Davis’s championship window.
Butler’s two-way ability (17.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.2 SPG this season) and clutch performances make him a significant upgrade over Reaves, despite the latter’s rise as a promising playmaker. While Rui has been a solid contributor, the Lakers already have other options for forward depth after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, softening the blow of his departure.
From Miami’s perspective, this trade is more than a simple salary dump. Rui Hachimura’s physicality and scoring fit seamlessly into Heat Culture, while Austin Reaves offers a scrappy, playmaking guard who could develop into a key piece for the team. Vanderbilt, known for his defensive versatility, may find new life in Miami, and Gabe Vincent had the best stretch of his career with the Heat, making him an easy re-addition to their rotation.
Adding Butler could elevate the Lakers to the top of the Western Conference hierarchy. Butler’s ability to play as a third scoring option while taking on tough defensive assignments would relieve pressure from LeBron and AD, especially in the playoffs. His 2023 averages of 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game underscore his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. More importantly, Butler’s leadership and playoff toughness are qualities that could give the Lakers an edge in a tight series against teams like the Thunder or Nuggets.
The main concern for the Lakers would be sacrificing young, affordable talent like Reaves and Rui for an aging superstar with a significant contract. Butler will be 35 during the final year of his deal this season, which could complicate future roster flexibility. However, if the Lakers can secure a championship with this core, the gamble will have paid off.
Trade Scenario No. 2 (Realistic Trade)
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
In this more realistic trade scenario, the Lakers send Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino to Miami in exchange for Jimmy Butler. This package provides Miami with young assets and clears the way for the Lakers to add a third star without completely gutting their core. Max Christie’s upside and Jalen Hood-Schifino’s potential as a long-term guard make this deal palatable for both teams.
While giving up five players may seem steep, the Lakers would primarily be parting with depth pieces. Rui’s role could be absorbed by Davis sliding to power forward more often, while Christie and Hood-Schifino have yet to establish themselves as major contributors. Adding Butler would instantly solidify the Lakers as favorites in the West, particularly with his track record as a playoff performer, including leading Miami to multiple deep postseason runs.
The Heat benefit from acquiring valuable young assets, particularly Christie and Hood-Schifino, who could develop into cornerstones for the franchise. Rui Hachimura brings immediate scoring and versatility, while Gabe Vincent’s familiarity with Miami’s system makes his return seamless. Miami would need to make additional roster moves to accommodate the incoming players, but this trade allows them to reset without completely tanking.
The Lakers would need to carefully manage Butler’s contract alongside LeBron and AD’s deals, while Miami would face the challenge of integrating so many new players. However, this trade keeps both teams competitive, with Miami gaining depth and the Lakers gaining star power.
Trade Scenario No. 3 (Fair Trade)
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes
In this scenario, the Lakers acquire Butler by sending Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes to Miami. This is the cleanest trade option, with both teams addressing their needs without overcomplicating the exchange.
The Lakers maintain their core identity while bringing in Butler to create a formidable Big Three. Losing Rui and Christie stings, but Hayes and Vanderbilt haven’t been major factors in the rotation. Butler’s addition would bolster the team’s defensive identity and provide a proven closer in tight games.
The Heat gain young talent in Christie and a reliable scorer in Rui, along with depth pieces like Hayes and Vanderbilt. Gabe Vincent, a familiar face, returns to provide stability in the backcourt. This trade allows Miami to transition out of the Butler era without entering a full rebuild.
This trade strikes a balance between risk and reward. For the Lakers, it’s a calculated push to maximize their current window, while Miami gets a reasonable return for a disgruntled star. Both teams emerge from the deal with their goals intact, making it a true win-win scenario.
What Trade Scenario Is The Best For The Lakers?
When evaluating the three trade scenarios, the choice depends on the Lakers’ priorities: preserving their depth or swinging for the fences with an established star to maximize their championship window. All three proposals offer viable paths to land Jimmy Butler, but one stands out as the most balanced.
Trade Scenario No. 2—the realistic trade—emerges as the best option for Los Angeles. By parting with Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers would secure a third star without completely gutting their roster or future assets.
This trade provides Miami with young talent and depth while allowing the Lakers to retain key role players like Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith to support their Big Three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Butler. Butler’s proven playoff prowess and ability to thrive under high-pressure situations would perfectly complement LeBron and AD’s existing strengths.
While the high-risk, high-reward trade (Scenario No. 1) puts the Lakers in immediate title contention, it sacrifices too much in young talent, particularly Austin Reaves, who has shown immense growth and versatility.
On the other hand, the fair trade (Scenario No. 3) achieves balance but lacks the upside Miami might demand in return for a star of Butler’s caliber. Scenario No. 2 strikes the ideal middle ground, providing a superstar upgrade while maintaining enough roster flexibility and depth to compete in the grueling Western Conference playoffs.
In conclusion, Scenario No. 2 is the smartest path forward for the Lakers. By taking this approach, they position themselves as legitimate title favorites without spending all their resources—a strategy perfectly in line with the franchise’s championship pedigree. With LeBron and AD still at the peak of their powers, adding Butler to the mix could deliver another banner to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.