Just over a week after Miami Heat president Pat Riley stated that Jimmy Butler would not be traded, the team announced on Friday that “Jimmy Butler and his representative have expressed a desire to be traded, so we will consider offers.”

Along with this announcement, the Heat revealed that Butler has been suspended for seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season and especially in recent weeks.”

The Heat continued, “His actions and words indicate he no longer wishes to be part of this team.”

With the trade deadline set for February 6, can Miami finalize a deal? Butler is signed through the 2025-26 season at $52.4 million but has the option to become a free agent this summer. If a trade occurs, the Heat will seek players and trade assets (specifically first-round draft picks) in return.

Despite a reduced role this season, Butler still plays effectively on both ends of the court. He averages 17.6 points with a shooting percentage of 55.2%. The Heat perform better when Butler is on the court than when he is not, according to on/off-court statistics from NBA.com.

While trading Butler’s $48.7 million contract for the 2024-25 season is challenging, most contracts can be traded unless they contain a no-trade clause.

Here are five potential teams that could acquire Butler:

Golden State Warriors

Currently sitting at No. 18 in offensive efficiency, the Warriors are in need of offensive support, and Butler could significantly contribute with his effective scoring and playmaking skills. His defensive abilities could also enhance an already strong defensive team (ranked No. 6) based on the nature of the trade.

To sustain their championship ambitions with stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors recently brought in Dennis Schroder from Brooklyn and can package him with other players for a trade starting February 4.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are among the top contenders in the Western Conference, boasting a record of 23-11, placing them second, just half a game ahead of Houston and 5½ games behind Oklahoma City.

Memphis has a successful formula, ranking in the top five for both offensive and defensive efficiency. While it’s important to keep team chemistry intact, a player like Butler, who brings valuable playoff experience, could be a great addition.

Dallas Mavericks

After falling to Boston in the previous season’s Finals, the Mavericks added Klay Thompson in the offseason. However, with a current record of 20-14, they are battling for fourth place alongside Denver in the West. Dallas has struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last ten games and suffering three straight losses.

Denver Nuggets

It’s well known that the 19-13 Nuggets, who claimed the title in 2023, are eager to strengthen their roster and lighten the load on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Could Butler be the solution they are looking for?

New York Knicks

How close are the Knicks to contending for a championship? After a significant offseason that saw them acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, they sit at 24-10, just one game behind second-place Boston and 5½ games behind first-place Cleveland. But would Riley and the Heat consider trading Butler not only to another team in the Eastern Conference but to the very franchise he coached three decades ago before heading to Miami?