David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Will the Miami Heat Trade Jimmy Butler This Season?
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler’s (22) looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Kaseya Center. | Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Hey there, folks! Welcome to another episode of Locked on Heat, where we dive into the latest buzz surrounding the Miami Heat. Today, we’re tackling the hot topic of Jimmy Butler and the swirling trade rumors. Let’s break down the key points from the first part of the episode:
- Trade Rumors: The Miami Heat are reportedly open to listening to trade offers for Jimmy Butler. This news, reported by Shams Charania, has sparked a lot of discussions about the future of the team and Butler’s role in it.
- Front Office Concerns: The Heat’s front office is reportedly concerned about Butler’s contract, his longevity, and his impact on the team’s future. While they’re not actively shopping him, they’re open to hearing offers.
- Media Influence: There’s speculation that the report might be more about generating buzz than actual trade urgency. Shams Charania, now with ESPN, might be stirring the pot to show his value as an insider.
- Team Performance: Despite the trade talks, the Heat have been performing well, winning three games in a row. Butler seems content, focusing on his off-court ventures like Big Face Coffee.
- Potential Trade Packages: The discussion touched on possible trade packages and what the Heat might be looking for in return. The focus is on finding a good young player, draft capital, and cap relief.
- Butler’s Preferences: If a trade were to happen, Butler reportedly prefers a “win-now” team. Teams like Golden State, Dallas, and Houston have been mentioned as potential destinations.
- Market Realities: The episode also highlighted the complexities of the NBA market, including salary cap considerations and the realistic value of players like Butler.
- Future Implications: The conversation explored what a potential trade could mean for the Heat’s future, including the impact on other players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore these developments and what they mean for the Miami Heat. Thanks for tuning in to Locked on Heat, your go-to source for all things Miami Heat!
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Feel Good The Miami Heat unearthed a potential gem in Pelle Larsson. His journey to the team is inspiring and highlights the importance of scouting and development.
Honor Tyler Herro’s best performance of the season earned him a spot in the Miami Heat’s superlatives. His efforts have been instrumental in several key victories.
Rumor NBA legend Paul Pierce believes the Miami Heat’s rival is the perfect trade partner for Jimmy Butler. Pierce’s insights add fuel to trade speculation.
Rumor The Houston Rockets have responded to rumors that Jimmy Butler listed them as a preferred destination. The team comments on the possibility of a trade. (Sports Illustrated)
Celebrate Here’s why Jared McCain is using his platform to highlight women’s sports. (Inquirer)
Analysis Trae Young has beef with the Knicks — this is why. (Sporting News)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Takeaways From Tuesday’s NBA Cup Games
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
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