The 2024-25 season for the Miami Heat has been an interesting one. They currently sit at 6th position in the table with a 13-13 record. Jimmy Butler remains a central figure for the team while Tyler Herro has shown significant growth.
There’s been an uncertainty that persists with the team’s roster though. Will Butler still be the face of the Heat in the upcoming season?
Shams Charania of ESPN has stated that the “Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right”.
Meanwhile, Butler is also believed to have an inclination to opt out of his player option for next season.
If Butler were to leave, the Heat would need to find a superstar replacement. If he were to stay, they would most probably need to bring in someone who can compliment him in order to challenge for the Championship.
In the article ‘Imagining Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Trade Targets Right Now’ on Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz suggested LaMelo Ball for the Heat. He wrote: “If the Heat keep Jimmy Butler (or maybe even if they don’t), Ball is an intriguing talent to go after. Adding in Ball’s elite playmaking and scoring skills would help boost Miami’s offense closer to that of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, the top-three in the NBA.”
Ball could be the perfect fit. He is the electrifying point guard for the Charlotte Hornets and has established himself as the face of the franchise since being selected with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
With his flashy playmaking, deep shooting range, and innate basketball IQ, Ball has quickly become one of the most exciting and promising youngsters in the league.
Ball has played 20 games so far this season and is averaging 30.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists. The Heat could certainly do with a player capable of putting up those numbers.
Currently, in his fifth NBA season, Ball is already a one-time All-Star and was the Rookie of the Year back in 2021.
Last year, Ball agreed on a five-year designated rookie max extension that could be worth as much as $260 million.
However, despite Ball’s individual brilliance, the Hornets have struggled mightily to be consistently competitive in the Eastern Conference. They sit in 13th position with a 7-21 record.
So, one has to wonder. Is this the case of a good stats player on a bad team? Will Ball’s numbers translate when he is playing with others who also need and deserve the ball?
