It feels as though every time we’re prepared to count out Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, they find a way to prove us wrong and make a deep postseason run. However, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins feels strongly that the Heat will not be able to turn the tide and overcome their 1-4 start to the season to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for a fourth time in five seasons.
“What about Jimmy Butler? Miami is struggling… Do we think the Heat will make one of those runs again this postseason? Absolutely not.” Perkins stated on NBA Today when discussing what’s next for the Philadelphia 76ers following their decision to trade All-Star guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Perkins suggested the 76ers target Butler in a trade.
Butler has been the driving force of the Heat in each of their postseason runs in recent years, establishing himself as one of the best playoff performers in the NBA. The 76ers now have the assets to acquire another star player to pair with reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey and are reportedly keeping tabs on multiple high-profile players who could be on the move.
While the Heat have gotten off to a slow start, it is tough to envision them entertaining the idea of trading Butler. However, it is noteworthy that Butler and Embiid were once teammates and have gone on the record to express how much they enjoyed playing together on numerous occasions since they parted ways.
