Heat Acquire Jimmy Butler in Four-Team Trade
The Miami Heat have completed a three team trade to sign guard Jimmy Butler to a four-year deal. The contract is worth $142 million, said league sources on Monday.
The Heat will send center Hassan Whiteside to Portland and guard Josh Richardson to Philadelphia. As well as that, they will send a 2023 protected first round draft pick to the LA Clippers. That way, the Heat will gain flexibility under the salary cap to complete a sign-and-trade deal with Philadelphia.
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Portland will send forwards Maurice Harkless and Myers Leonard in exchange for Whiteside, sources said, with Harkless headed to play for the Clippers which is why the Clippers were able to receive a 2023 protected first round draft pick.
The Clippers continue to have max salary space available if they can convince Kawhi Leonard to play in LA. Harkless is capable of starting for the Clippers. He would provide depth behind Leonard if the free agent were to sign.
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The Clippers already have the Heat’s 2021 first round draft pick they acquired in February in the Tobias Harris deal with the 76ers
The Dallas Mavericks were interested in acquiring Miami’s Goran Dragic in a three-team deal that involved Jimmy Butler. However, Dragic’s agent said the Mavericks changed course.
Dallas has pursed help on the perimeter during free agency, with emphasis on obtaining tough defenders that are accomplished 3-point shooters, but the Mavericks have not announced the signing of any player or players that fit that description as of yet.
