The NBA world is buzzing right now, especially with the Dallas Mavericks making some big moves. After trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, rumors are flying that they might go after Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat next.
Some experts think they could use Davis to make a deal for Butler, which could really boost their chances in the Western Conference. Let’s take a look at what’s behind these rumor.
Is Mavericks Getting Jimmy Butler?
So, Ashley Nicole Moss, a CBS Sports analyst, threw out the idea that the Dallas Mavericks might trade Anthony Davis to the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler. She thought it could be a way for the Mavericks to mix things up and improve their team.
But, she quickly changed her mind, admitting on her twitter post that her suggestion was not a great one. She even said, “Yeah, this take is trash,” owning up to her mistake.
As for Jimmy Butler, things aren’t looking too good with the Heat. He’s had some issues with the team recently. He got into trouble for skipping practice and missing a flight, which led to a suspension. Butler’s not happy with the Heat’s roster moves either, saying they haven’t done enough to make the team a real championship contender.
All this drama has fueled rumors that Butler wants out of Miami. While Moss’s trade idea didn’t go anywhere, Butler’s future with the Heat is still up in the air.
Is Trading Davis for Butler Possible?
If the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat wanted to trade Anthony Davis for Jimmy Butler, they’d have to deal with some tricky salary cap rules. Jimmy’s contract is worth about $48.8 million, and Anthony’s is a bit lower.
NBA rules say teams over the salary cap have to match salaries within certain limits. Normally, teams can trade up to 125% of what they’re giving away, plus an extra $100,000. But the rules have changed recently, making things tougher for teams that are over certain salary limits.
For example, teams above the first apron can only take back 110% of what they gave up. If they’re over the second apron, there are even stricter rules, and they can’t even combine salaries from multiple players in a trade.
So, a straight swap between Davis and Butler might not work. To make this NBA 2025 trade happen, the Mavericks and Heat would probably need to add extra players or draft picks to make the salaries match up. They might also involve a third team to help with balancing the money and assets.
Details of the Doncic-Davis Trade
On February 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a huge trade that no one saw coming.
The Mavs got forward Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers. The Lakers, in return, got Luka Doncic, forward Maxi Kleber, and center Markieff Morris.
The Utah Jazz also jumped in to help with the trade, taking guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks.
The trade surprised everyone in the NBA and got many different reactions. Fans and experts couldn’t believe the Mavericks traded away Luka Doncic, who many thought would be their future star.
Some were worried about Luka’s fitness and the fact that he might soon get a huge contract. Nico Harrison, the GM of the Mavericks, said the trade was all about making the team better defensively by bringing in Davis. On the other hand, the Lakers got a big win with Doncic.
Now, he’ll team up with LeBron James, and some think Luka could be the next big thing for them.
For now, we know that Dallas Mavericks just traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, and rumours have we people wonder if they might go after Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.
