The Jimmy Butler trade saga is finally approaching its climax. After the Heat star’s public comments about wanting out, the franchise is willing to comply. They have not only suspended Butler for detrimental conduct but also admitted “Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers”. Hence, the search now begins.

The six-time All-Star has reportedly narrowed down his preferred trade destinations. The likes of the Golden State Warriors, Suns, and Dallas Mavericks could be the front runners. Former Miami Heat player Norris Cole does think these teams have a shot. However, he also pointed out that aside from Butler’s wishes “It’s about what the Heat can get in return as well”.

Firstly, Butler’s suspension didn’t surprise Cole. Having experienced the Heat Culture he said “If you’ve ever played for Miami, you’re either all in or you’re all out”. And with an inevitable trade on the horizon, he feels a strong candidate in return for Jimmy Butler could be Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I think the best spot if you want to talk about contending for a championship for Jimmy would be Golden State if they can make that happen. But I think it’s also nice to know Brandon Ingram for the Miami Heat. If they can get him in return I think that would make a lot of sense for the Heat to get Ingram,” he said on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Like Butler, Ingram is stuck in a situation demanding an extension from the Pelicans. The scoring forward is eligible for a four-year $207 million extension from the Pelicans. However, due to their uncertainty regarding his fit as a championship-caliber second option, signs point toward an imminent exit.

For Miami, although Butler too asked for a similar amount per year, his age posed as a barrier. But with BI only being 27 years old, Pat Riley and the front office might be comfortable with offering him such money. Currently injured, Ingram has had a quiet season for the Pelicans thus far.

And while salary matching could be an issue, no possibility can be ruled out in today’s NBA. Such a move could make sense for Vice City. But what about the Pelicans?

The New Orleans Pelicans may not show any interest in Jimmy Butler

For any team contending for a championship, they would monitor Jimmy Butler. As large as his contract is, the 35-year-old is a vet in the postseason. Furthermore, Butler has earned his stripes as a dashing postseason performer, guiding the Heat to two improbable NBA Finals runs.

However, for a team sitting with the worst record in the league and just snapped their 11-game streak, it doesn’t make much sense. Ingram isn’t the only player the Pelicans are willing to hear offers from. Even CJ McCollum has been dragged into these talks. However, their objective isn’t to compete.

With Zion Williamson still on the sidelines, their season is virtually over. Hence, the bottom seed team is trying to find ways to avoid paying the tax. The Pelicans currently sit $2 million over the tax threshold. And with the possibility of financial complications arising are looking to offload huge contracts from their salary table.

With Jimmy Butler, not only is he earning a hefty salary but also holds a player option for $52.4 million next season. The risk of him opting in and pushing them deeper into the tax payments is probably not a possibility the Pelicans would want to flirt with. There is obviously the option of an internal agreement where Butler agrees to opt out and become a free agent.

But even then, the Pelicans would qualify to pay the luxury tax. For a team that has never done so, a move for Jimmy Butler doesn’t seem to fit into their plans.