Former Miami Heat star Shaquille O’Neal praised the possibility of Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler landing in South Beach in an interview with the Sun Sentinel.
O’Neal said that he expects the Heat to go after another “big-name guy” like Butler, who has demanded a trade from the bitter cold of Minneapolis, but cautioned that Heat president Pat Riley and team owner Micky Arison may wait to find the right fit.
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“There’s not that many superstars that are out there,” O’Neal told the outlet. “And a lot of the guys that are superstars are tied up in big contracts. Pat’s always done a great job of getting respectful players, players that are going to come in here and work hard.
“I think, by chance, they still could make a move for another big-name guy. Everyone wants to live in Miami. Everyone wants to play in Miami. But it has to be the right move, the right fit for the franchise, for the community at the right time. Pat and Micky don’t mind waiting, waiting, waiting until they get the perfect move.”
O’Neal said that Butler may fit the right mold but warned that he is no Dwyane Wade.
“Jimmy Butler’s a good start, but he’s no D-Wade,” O’Neal said. “But he’s a good start. I would love to play with a guy like Jimmy Butler. But Jimmy Butler is a guy who is sort of going to be a Udonis Haslem type. He’s going to do all the dirty work. You’re not going to hear his name a lot. He’s definitely a guy you need on your team. Hopefully they can get him.”
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, however, Miami is not on the list of Butler’s preferred landing spots. Wojnarowski reported that the four-time All-Star prefers to be traded to the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, or Los Angeles Clippers.
He added that the Timberwolves have no interest in moving Butler.
Butler wanted a four-year, $145 million extension after the 2018-19 season, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, but was only offered $100 million for four seasons, prompting his trade demand.
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