Editions
Los 40 USA
Scores
Follow us on
Hello

NBA

Miami Heat dreaming of Luka Doncic

The recent Jimmy Butler saga looks set to give the Heat salary cap space to attract an NBA mega-star in the summer of 2026.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 25, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
RON JENKINSAFP

The relationship between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler is over. While the split hasn’t been made official, both parties have been getting ready to go their separate ways since the start of 2025.

On January 4, the 35-year-old guard was suspended for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team during the season, particularly in recent weeks,” according to the franchise.

Butler served that suspension and things appeared to settle, for three games, until another issue arose, leading to an indefinite ban.

The six-time NBA All-Star hasn’t been set a return date “due to a continued pattern of rule violations, conduct detrimental to the team, and intentional withholding of services,” the Heat announced on Tuesday, January 28.

Why the Miami Heat want to offload Jimmy Butler

Butler will not be paid for the time he is suspended. He has a salary of $48.8 million this season, which will rise to $52.4 million next season if he exercises a player option, leaving the Heat $4 million over the luxury tax threshold and close to the first apron. The financial penalty on Butler does not affect the salary cap.

This means no room to maneuver in the market. For that reason, Miami want to offload their star, and they are all ears.

What Miami could get in exchange for Butler

According to various reports (ESPN, Yahoo, SNY), the franchise is not only listening to offers from the Phoenix Suns, with Bradley Beal in the mix and the need for a third team in the deal, but also from the Golden State Warriors and even the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Julius Randle on the table (the Wolves also want to offload their forward).

According to ESPN, the Heat have lowered their initial demands over time as the relationship has become increasingly toxic. Initially, they had hoped to trade Butler for another top star, or several players of a slightly lower level that could help them reach the playoffs.

They also hoped to trade him for a top future prospect and a draft pick...now arguably too much for this version of Butler.

Heat’s long-term plan to lure Luka Doncic

As a result, a simple trade for players whose contracts don’t extend much beyond this season is not out of the question (along with some draft pick compensation).

Or, even though the Heat are somewhat reluctant, players who are not All-Stars whose contracts extend beyond 2025-26, as long as their contracts are manageable and allow for more than $80 million in cap space for the summer of 2026. Why? Because big stars like Luka Doncic could be free agents and sign with any franchise.

The Slovenian guard (25 years old, 6’6″) is in the third year of a five-year, $215 million contract. This season he will earns $43 million, and next season, $46 million. In the fifth year, the 2026-27 season, his salary would rise to $48.9 million… if he exercises the player option he has in 2026. If he doesn’t, he would be completely free to seek a new destination, and the Miami Heat are waiting.

Original article written by José Ignacio Pinilla, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

Rules