As one of the current NBA's most capable leaders, Butler failed to lead his team further in the playoffs last season due to injury and was publicly ridiculed by team president Riley. He was even denied a long-term maximum salary contract during the offseason.
Facing the team's various difficulties, Butler also knew that his career in Miami had come to an end. Therefore, his agent team has repeatedly stated that they will not stay with the Heat since the start of the season, even if the team offers a new top salary contract. At the same time, Butler seems to have instructed his agent to spread rumors everywhere and has already found an ideal next home in advance.
According to NBA reporter Shams, Butler's team hopes that the Heat can complete the trade before the trade deadline this season. And according to previous sources, Butler's ideal next homes such as the Suns, Rockets, Warriors, and Mavericks are all Western Conference teams. Although there was initially interest in the Nets, the management's treatment of Simmons impressed him, but with the Nets officially rebuilding, the championship-aspiring Butler would obviously not consider spending his final peak years with the Nets to accompany the growth of newcomers.
Although Butler has not yet formally forced the team to trade in public, his refusal to renew the contract and his desire to leave before the trade deadline can be considered as giving the Heat enough face. Despite Riley's repeated humiliations, Butler still hopes that both sides can part amicably.
However, after Butler chose not to play and said goodbye to the Heat, his choice of a new team, aside from the Suns whose core lineup's injuries led to a decline in performance and falling out of the playoff zone, the Rockets, Warriors, and Mavericks are all strong contenders in the West. Especially the Rockets and Mavericks, their lineup configurations are almost perfect, lacking only a top-level wing player like Butler who excels in both offense and defense. If Butler really goes to the West, the championship landscape in the West could undergo a significant change, even forcing a strong team like the Thunder, who are leading with a 12-game winning streak, to step aside.
In terms of data, Butler averaged 31 minutes per game this season, scoring only 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Although his scoring reached a new low in his Heat career, his leadership ability in critical moments is undoubtedly evident. For Western Conference teams, Butler's arrival would have no less influence than James' move to Los Angeles in 2019. Finally, do you think Butler can successfully join a Western Conference team? Which team is the most suitable for Butler?