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Brian Windhorst Praises the Heat for Pieces They Turned Jimmy Butler Into

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 12:19 PM ET

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has given the Miami Heat credit for their strategic maneuvering following the Jimmy Butler trade, as highlighted in a recent social media post.

Windhorst commended the Heat for turning Butler into a trio of valuable assets: Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell.

In a video clip shared on X by @HeatCulture13, he noted, “It’s not going to lead any NBA Today broadcast, but they have pieced it together a little bit, considering there’s not clarity after number 3 in the East.”

This acknowledgment underscores the Heat’s ability to navigate a murky Eastern Conference landscape.

The trade, which also involved sending Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz, has been framed as a win for the Heat.

Windhorst’s praise centers on the Heat’s knack for acquiring pieces without sacrificing long-term assets, a move that keeps them competitive in a wide-open East.

Powell’s scoring prowess, Wiggins’ versatility, and Mitchell’s defensive tenacity add depth to the Heat's roster, aligning with their goal of contention.

The X post’s engagement reflects fans’ appreciation for this shrewd roster reform, with many seeing it as a stepping stone toward future success.

As Windhorst put it, “There’s something to be said for piecing those three together after the Butler trade.” For the Heat, this is a testament to their front office’s vision in a post-Butler era.

As the team looks to navigate a pivotal offseason before the 2025-26, all eyes will be on the Heat so see if Riley and the front office's moves pay significant dividends.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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