The Miami Heat suffered a crushing defeat against the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, leaving fans and analysts wondering if this is a sign of things to come in the post-Jimmy Butler era. But let’s pump the brakes on the hot takes for a moment.
Here’s what we need to consider:
• Physical and emotional exhaustion: This was the Heat’s third game in four nights, and the team was dealing with the fallout from Butler’s trade request.
• The Jimmy Butler effect: His locker was still intact, with his shoes and jersey present - a constant reminder of the situation.
• Bam Adebayo’s struggles: He had one of the worst games of his career, scoring just four points with zero made field goals.
While it’s easy to say, “See, this is why you can’t trade Jimmy,” we need to look at the bigger picture. The team was clearly drained, both physically and mentally. Eric Spoelstra even tried to shake things up with a new starting lineup, but it didn’t pan out as hoped.
Speaking of that lineup, let’s break it down:
• New starters: Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Haywood Highsmith, Nikola Jovic, and Bam Adebayo
• The problem: This lineup doesn’t excel in any particular area - it’s not overly big, small, skilled, or defensively strong
• The rationale: Spoelstra wanted more on-ball creation without Butler, but it felt like a “blah” option
So, what’s the solution? I’ve got an idea that might raise some eyebrows:
• Go big: Start Kal’el Ware alongside Bam Adebayo
• Embrace the size: With Butler gone, we can afford to have two non-floor spacers in the lineup
• The Cleveland model: Look at how the Cavs are using their bigs - we could do something similar
This lineup would give us the size we’ve been craving while still maintaining shooting with guys like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. It’s time to experiment, and this upcoming road trip is the perfect opportunity.
As for the Jimmy Butler situation, here’s the latest:
• The Heat are looking to take back as little guaranteed money beyond this season as possible
• There’s skepticism around the league that a trade will happen soon
• The team is actively making calls, not just receiving them
The bottom line is this: The Heat will likely have to settle for less than they want in a Butler trade. But remember, they got Butler for Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, and a protected first-round pick. If they can get something similar in return now, after two Finals appearances and three Eastern Conference Finals, that’s a win in my book.
It’s time to move on from the awkward situation and find a way forward. The Heat need to take action and stop hoping for a miracle trade to materialize.
