5 potential disgruntled superstars Knicks could be monitoring for offseason trade

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat talks to RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks after a timeout during the first half at FTX Arena on March 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat. (Photo by Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

4: Jimmy Butler

After making it to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals last year before coming up short against the Celtics, the Heat have mostly been a disappointment in 2022-23. Jimmy Butler is averaging a team-high 22.7 points to go with 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists, but Miami will likely wind up competing for a playoff spot in the play-in tournament.

The now 33-year-old signed a four-year extension with the Heat during the 2021 offseason and he is under contract through the 2025-26 season. He is the face of the franchise, but if the Heat are unable to do what they hope to in the playoffs, perhaps Butler will be on the move. He’s a player that many teams in the league are likely already monitoring.

Butler has experience playing under Tom Thibodeau in both Chicago and Minnesota. The head coach recently compared Josh Hart to Butler. Thibodeau included:

"“Those types of players, they give your team heart, they give your team toughness, and that goes a long way.”"

It’s safe to assume that Thibodeau wouldn’t mind if the Knicks made a move for Butler during the summer. The forward may be getting up there in age, but he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. He’s a tough competitor that fans at MSG would love.

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