Knicks may acquire Heat’s aging $146 million All-Star via trade | Sporting News

The New York Knicks will surely complete a meaningful trade this season to give them the upper hand over their opponents. 

Considering a Miami Heat phenom may be on the move this season, the Knicks could contact their conference foes to gauge the asking price for their star player. 

“The New York Knicks were the busiest team in the trade market this past offseason,” Clutch Points’ Bailey Bassett wrote Wednesday.  

“We mentioned above that they gave up an arm and a leg to acquire Mikal Bridges, but they made another blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns as well.”

“This all came after trading for OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 season.”

“New York is running out of things to trade and money to spend, so a move for (Jimmy) Butler is unlikely. Even so, he is the exact type of player that would make sense on the Knicks roster.”

“Tom Thibodeau prefers gritty guys who play great defense and can stay on the court for long stretches of time.”

“Butler certainly fits the description, and it worked out when the two were paired together on the Chicago Bulls at the start of Butler’s career.”

The Heat were expected to get off to a blazing start to the year after their disappointing end to the 2023-24 campaign. 

However, Miami has struggled with consistency through the first 22 games of the year, only winning three or more consecutive contests on one occasion. 

While Butler’s scoring is slightly down from a season ago, averaging 19.0 points per contest, the 2021 steals champion’s polished mid-range jumper, underrated second gear on the move, and competitiveness defensively have made him a highly regarded trade target for various teams. 

Butler’s fit on the Knicks could be interesting, but New York desperately needs to bolster their bench production and frontcourt depth.

By focusing on alluring assets such as Jordan Clarkson, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Isaiah Stewart, the Knicks could turn their glaring weaknesses into valuable strengths this season.

More NBA: Warriors predicted to cut ties with Buddy Hield in favor of Heat’s $146 million star