The Miami Heat could be nearing the end of an era.

At 6-7 to start the season, Miami doesn’t exactly look like a contender, which is expected since Jimmy Butler is still on the roster. Could the Heat decide to move on from Butler this winter, as has been rumored lately?

If Miami manager Pat Riley decides to trade Butler, the Houston Rockets will be considered as a landing spot for the six-time All-Star. Houston could present one of the most enticing packages for Butler, something Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley pointed out in a new report on Friday.

“With Jimmy Butler heading toward unrestricted free agency next summer, trade speculation could revolve around the six-time All-Star as the season progresses,” Buckley said.

“It’s been relatively quiet lately, but maybe that’s because everyone already understands the situation. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Butler has recently been listed as a “name to watch” for the Golden State Warriors, while Butler has the Houston Rockets “increasingly mentioned by observers as a team to watch.” “. , according to NBA insider Marc Stein.”

Buckley also outlined what a trade sending Butler to Houston would look like:

“Jimmy Butler to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams and a 2027 first-round pick (top-three protected).”

“The Rockets are off to a strong start, but they could still be one star away from real competition. And they apparently believe that Butler – who grew up just outside of Houston – has enough power to fill that void,” Buckley continued.

“He fits coach Ime Udoka’s determined, defense-first approach and could use his playmaking and attraction to defenders to make life easier for Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green and Fred Vanvleet.”

“The Heat, meanwhile, could rejig their roster to maximize Bam Adebayo’s time frame. If Miami’s development team works its magic on Smith, the No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft, he could be an ideal frontcourt partner for Adebayo, as Smith contributes around the basket on defense but plays outside the basket on offense can. Brooks and Adams already have the toughness needed to fit the team’s #culture, while the lightly protected first could allow the front office to look for more in future trades.”

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