NBA trade season is officially upon us and, though many are expecting the OKC Thunder to remain rather dormant during the festivities, this is not to say they won't be positively impacted by moves made elsewhere.
With the recent reports of discontent coming out of Miami, it's widely believed that veteran Jimmy Butler will be the most sought-after commodity on the market.
From his six All-Star nods, five All-Defensive Team selections, and extensive track record of aiding toward postseason success, it's easy to see why he'd be so highly coveted.
Already, the wing has drawn a substantial amount of interest from wannabe title contenders like the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, while serious threats such as the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly keeping a close eye on his status down in South Beach.
Though all of these clubs are in contention with the Thunder for the Western Conference crown this season and, in turn, the idea of any one of them landing such a difference-maker could be make their aspirations for a title in 2025 a bit more challenging, the "where" in which the Heat move Butler shouldn't be all that concerning for OKC.
All they should care about is whether they actually do decide to move him.
Thunder draft stock could be impacted if Heat trade Jimmy Butler
The Paul George-to-Clippers blockbuster back in 2019 continually proves to be the gift that keeps on giving.
From the ascension of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (the main player brought back in the exchange) to the continuously improving value of the LA Clippers' 2025 NBA Draft rights, the Thunder seem to benefit more and more from the exchange with every passing day.
Now, with the Jimmy Butler buzz, there seems to be even more room for inheritance to come into the Sooner State.
As part of the deal, the Thunder received lottery-protected rights to Miami's 2025 NBA Draft pick. However, in the event that the Heat fall out of playoff contention, the pick would be converted into a 2026 first-round pick with zero protections attached.
This is why the Thunder should be paying close attention to the situation down in Miami.
Should Butler remain active with the organization for the rest of this year's campaign (currently sixth in the East at 15-13), it seems all but certain that the selection would convert for this June's festivities and, in turn, fall into the possession of Sam Presti and company.
However, being they are a pedestrian 4-4 without his services in the lineup this year, and the act of offloading the star would undoubtedly spark a rebuild for the Heat, it's easy to see why the idea of seeing a Jimmy Butler blockbuster go down this year would be so appealing for the Thunder and why they would be one of the biggest winners as a mere vicarious franchise.