Three reasons why the Heat need to trade Jimmy Butler quickly

The Heat have dropped to 17-17, effectively tied with the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons at .500 for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. They're three games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, who have been creeping back into the playoff race after a 3-14 start. The Heat need to acquire someone who will actually play, and try, if they want to make the playoffs.

Why is that such a priority? The Heat owe a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in this year's draft, which they originally sent out in the trade that got them Butler. Next year, the pick becomes unprotected. The Heat also owe a lottery-protected 2027 first-rounder to the Charlotte Hornets from the Terry Rozier trade, which becomes unprotected in 2028. Missing the playoffs means two first-round picks lose their lottery protections, a large incentive for making it this season.

2. It's costing them money

For now, the Heat aren't paying Butler his $48.8M salary while he's suspended. He may well get back the $2.35 million he's losing after the Players Association's grievance is resolved, but the Heat will have to start paying Butler, whether he's playing or not, once those seven games are up.

Paying players to stay home isn't the Heat's style. Especially when they're looking at a luxury-tax bill of just under $25M. Any salary they might save in a potential Butler deal has a multiplying effect because it also reduces their tax liability.

3. Teams are already making trades

The trade deadline isn't until Feb. 6, but teams have already begun trading. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have both made deals to bring in veterans from the Brooklyn Nets, Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, respectively. According to the Miami Herald, the Warriors and Houston Rockets aren't pursuing Butler, and Butler isn't willing to play for the Memphis Grizzlies.

That could always change depending on Miami's price for Butler, but the longer they hold on to him, the more other teams will seek out other trade options — or, fall far enough out of serious contention that adding the 35-year-old Butler lacks appeal, as may have happened for the Warriors.

The Heat can always see what they can get for Butler this summer if he opts into his $52M deal, but they have many reasons to make a trade, any trade, soon. Even if they're selling low on their disgruntled star.