Miami Heat Linked With Potential Trade for $158 Million Forward as Butler's Replacement

Jimmy Butler's long-term future with the Miami Heat is in doubt. Rumors suggested that he was seeking a max contract extension this summer itself but the franchise were not keen on handing him one.

That is understandable considering that he is set to turn 35 years old this offseason and has a long injury history. We just saw him miss the entire playoff series against the Boston Celtics, as the Heat were eliminated.

Of course, in the past, we have seen his greatness as well. The Heat's last two trips to the NBA Finals would not have happened without Butler. On his day, he is one of the best in the world.

It is very possible though that the Butler era in Miami is approaching its end. If he were to leave, the Heat would have a tough time replacing him.

Finding a like-for-like replacement for Butler might be pretty much impossible. The Heat might hope for some of its young stars to step up while also bringing in a solid small forward. Does Brandon Ingram fit the role?

In the article 'Brandon Ingram Landing Spots If New Orleans Pelicans Trade Star Forward' on Bleacher Report , Andy Bailey wrote: "Now, of course, Ingram isn't on track to be the next Butler. Far from it. And Miami could reasonably talk itself into Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro eventually replacing their current superstar.

"But adding Ingram could give those two a bit more runway. With his mid-range attack, decent playmaking and theoretical ability to switch between multiple defensive assignments, Ingram could be sort of a C+ or B- version of Butler.

"If Riley and the rest of the front office can talk Ingram into signing a more reasonable new contract, he could age into a secondary playmaker role alongside Adebayo, Jaquez, Herro or whoever else might pop from the younger core."

Finding a trade package to bring in Ingram might be difficult. Bailey added: "Miami's best salary-filling contracts belong to Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson and Herro, and it'd have to combine multiple deals to get to Ingram's incoming salary.

"Finding a workable trade, at least right now, is tricky."

Ingram's contract situation might be an issue as well. According to ESPN Cleveland on X back in July, Brian Windhorst said that he wants a $200 million contract extension.

The last thing that the Heat need, if they are required to replace Butler in the near future, is a small forward who is not delivering value for money on his contract. He is a good player but considering the limitations to Ingram's game, a $200 million deal might be steep.

Related: Miami Heat Make Jaime Jaquez Jr and Nikola Jovic Contract Move