Possible destinations if Heat trade Jimmy Butler

A star player trying to force his way to a new team is an annual occurrence in the NBA. And this season, that star wrapped up in a dream is Jimmy Butler.  

Even though Butler has said he doesn't believe he can find joy in playing basketball in Miami again, his seven-game suspension is nearing its end without a trade in sight. 

Since that's the case, it's time to break down the team's rumored as possible destinations for the six-time All-Star. 

Phoenix Suns 

From the moment Butler was hinting at wanting out of Miami, the Suns were brought up as a team that would be interested in acquiring the NBA veteran known for stepping up his game during the playoffs. Phoenix is also a team in desperate need of an injection of new life. 

At 19-19, the Suns have been underachieving based on their high expectations and Butler would actually fill their main need. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are two of the best pure shooters in basketball, but Butler could provide a two-way player willing to do the dirt work. Adding Butler would help boost the Suns defensively and bring toughness to a group often criticized for being soft. 

There's only one problem, and it's a big one. Bradley Beal would have to be part of the trade, for both basketball and salary reasons. Unfortunately for the Suns, Beal seems unwilling to waive his no-trade clause to make a deal for Butler possible. 

Milwaukee Bucks 

If Phoenix can't make a deal work, the Bucks are another interesting option. Joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in Milwaukee would offer Butler a legitimate chance to compete for a championship. 

Butler would also enjoy clear lanes to the paint, with the opposition forced to pay attention to both Antetokounmpo and Lillard at all times. Longtime Buck Khris Middleton would likely have to be involved in a trade for Butler, causing some fans to be upset about the thought of losing a popular player and concerned about disrupting chemistry. 

Despite the fit, it does seem hard to imagine the Heat handing Butler over to a team they are jockeying for position with in the Eastern Conference. 

Golden State Warriors 

The thought of Butler on the Warriors would've seemed odd a few years ago, but this could be the only way for Golden State to become a true contender in the immediate future. 

With Klay Thompson in Dallas, Stephen Curry is in need of a new co-star, and Butler is a player willing to do anything it takes to win — an attitude appreciated within the Warriors' culture. He doesn't have the shooting touch of Thompson, but Butler can find ways to score and would offer help defensively as well. 

Golden State is known for making moves and going all in, and at 19-19, it needs a trade like this in order to have a real chance. 

Houston Rockets 

While most feel Houston is still a piece away, the Rockets are currently the No. 2 seed in the West. Fred VanVleet knows what it takes to win a championship from his time with Toronto, but Houston is mostly an inexperienced team that could benefit from a player willing to push his teammates like Butler. To make the Rockets even more intriguing, Butler was born and raised in the Houston area.   

It's no secret Butler wants to win wherever he is, granted a large part of his issue with the Heat stems from not being rewarded with a max extension.  

Heat president Pat Riley is also known as someone unwilling to simply acquiesce to player demands so there's no telling where he may actually end up sending Butler.