New York Knicks ‘Expressed Interest’ In 5x All-NBA Player

This past offseason, the New York Knicks were extremely busy. Most notably, they traded for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Additionally, the team re-signed OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Jalen Brunson. After earning the No. 2 seed in the East last season, the Knicks were aggressive in the offseason and made moves to help them inch closer to legitimate title contention. However, according to recent reports, the Knicks had other blockbuster moves in mind, including trading for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Knicks “expressed interest” in the five-time All-NBA selection in the offseason. However, the team opted to pursue Bridges instead.

“Across town, the New York Knicks expressed interest in Butler this past summer, sources said. However, talks didn’t go far beyond exploratory interest before the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Nets, who were much more willing to make a trade than the Heat at the time.”

New York Knicks ‘Expressed Interest’ In Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors

For much of the offseason, many speculated about Butler’s future in Miami. The 35-year-old has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. Furthermore, there have been doubts about whether Butler and the Heat can come to terms on a contract extension. This has led to many believing the Heat will move on from the Marquette alum to get assets in return.

Furthermore, in October, NBA insider Marc Stein suggested that Butler could be part of the league’s next blockbuster trade.

“Cruel or not, Riley left little doubt in the spring that Butler’s availability had become an issue for the Heat. Butler, meanwhile, insisted at Media Day that he accepts Riley’s reluctance to offer him the extension, saying: “I guess I’ve got to go and hoop. I’ve got to prove that I am a major part of winning and rightfully so. I’ve done it before. This is no different. … That will take care of itself.”

“The whole saga has led a variety of executives with other teams, when asked by pesky me, to offer up Butler as a name that must be monitored in the inevitable quest for teams (and reporters) to pinpoint the league’s next marquee player to be dealt in the wake of the Karl-Anthony Towns-to-New York swap.”

In addition to the Knicks, teams like the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets have been linked to Butler.

The Last Word

It seems that a Butler trade to the Knicks is no longer a possibility. However, the Heat trading Butler within the next year is still an option. Regardless, Butler and the Heat are off to a decent start. In 14 games, Butler has averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 53.8% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point line. The Heat are 9-9 through the first 18 games of the season and own the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coming into the new season, many expected the Heat to be a Play-In team at best. They were the No. 8 seed last season and were looked at as realistic title contenders. While it is still early, Miami has proven these doubters wrong so far. What their ceiling looks like, however, remains unknown.