Jimmy Butler has shown to be an invaluable asset to the Miami Heat since he arrived in South Beach in 2019. Butler has guided the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in his five seasons, one in 2020 and the other last season. However, both final runs were unsuccessful, and Miami may be searching for a change of location.

With only a week until the NBA trade deadline, it looks like a Jimmy Butler-Klay Thompson deal is plausible. Earlier this season, the Golden State Warriors hinted that they wanted to move Thompson and slowly begin their rebuilding process. The Heat previously made a similar trade, moving Kyle Lowery, 37, for a much younger Terry Rozier, 29.

While dealing Butler for Thompson will not make a significant difference in terms of age, the proposed transaction represents a shift in Miami’s direction. With Thompson as their veteran leader, the Heat might benefit greatly from his championship experience.

Sources have offered a potential transaction that would satisfy both the Heat and the Warriors. According to the “All U Can Heat” website, a trade involving Miami’s Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin for Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga may be in the works. However, readers should take this information with a grain of salt because nothing has been officially announced yet.

Despite failing to win a championship with the Miami Heat during his five-year stint, no one can question Jimmy Butler’s greatness. However, even superstars would leave teams they had helped succeed. But is it the proper decision for the Heat to let go of Butler?

There are rumors that Klay Thompson could be traded to Miami in exchange for Jimmy. While Thompson is a four-time NBA champion, he is no longer the player he once was. Looking at his current stats, the 33-year-old is averaging 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His shooting percentage has also decreased to 42.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.

Jimmy Butler continues to put up All-Star-worthy stats, averaging 21.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His shooting accuracy is also higher than Thompson’s, at 42.6% at long range and 49.1% overall. Letting Butler walk would be a step back if the Miami Heat wanted to pursue Klay Thompson in exchange.