JJ Redick was appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, adding some intrigue to the team’s summer. What roster changes general manager Rob Pelinka makes to improve Redick’s prospects of being successful in his first head coaching job are now the matter of concern.
The Lakers were mentioned by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn as a possible destination for Jimmy Butler, a top player for the Miami Heat, before the Redick news was confirmed. Quinn’s plan focuses on the Lakers giving up three first-round picks in addition to Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura joining the Heat. The analyst added that in order to land a blockbuster contract, Los Angeles would have to include Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, or D’Angelo Russell (who might become a free agent this summer).
In a June 19, 2024 piece titled “Why Heat star Jimmy Butler is in NBA trade rumors, which teams are interested and where he could land,” Quinn went into further detail about how the Lakers would need to split up their fan base in order to do this. They would have to learn how to shoot from the outside in and come to terms with the fact that, after this roster, their lives would probably not get much easier.
Since Butler may become a free agent as early as 2025, there has been talk over the star’s future. Butler’s three-year, $146.3 million contract has two seasons left on it, but he has a player option that would allow him to become a free agent the following year.
Following Pat Riley’s outspoken criticism of Butler, this offseason is all eyes on the six-time All-Star. Butler is reportedly unwilling to leave the Heat, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
According to Charania, Jimmy Butler “does not want to be anywhere but Miami,” as she stated in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on June 11. It seems to me that he adores Miami. However, this year he is eligible for an extension. There are several
There are clubs that would grant him an extension, and I believe this is something that will be resolved within the course of the next month or two.
If Butler were paired with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers would have one of the top trios in the NBA. Even if the Heat decide not to sign Butler to a new contract agreement, it is still unclear if they will move Butler. Butler’s remarks during a Los Angeles Sparks game on June 8 attracted attention.
Butler remarked during the WNBA game, “22 looks good in purple and gold for some reason.”
Butler had to be aware that his comments would lead to speculation about a possible Lakers trade even if he was speaking about Sparks standout Cameron Brink. Even though Los Angeles may have finally found a new head coach, preseason rumors are only beginning.
Veteran sports writer Jonathan Adams writes about golf, the NFL, and the NBA for Heavy.com. Numerous publications, including NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated, have highlighted his work. Additional details regarding Jonathan Adams