The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly one of Jimmy Butler’s preferred trade destinations, with the star indicating an interest in playing for either the Mavericks or the Houston Rockets. However, the likelihood of a trade to Dallas seems low due to financial and roster constraints. Butler is set to earn over $48 million in the 2024-25 season, and the Mavericks’ highest-paid players, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, make around $43 million and $41 million, respectively. The Mavs are unlikely to part with either of these stars. Other players such as Klay Thompson and PJ Washington earn over $15 million, while Daniel Gafford and Maxi Kleber make $13 million and $11 million, respectively, but adding these players might only work for salary-matching purposes.
Although a deal could potentially involve younger Mavericks like Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Jaden Hardy, who earn less than $3 million, Dallas would likely need to trade multiple players to make the numbers work. The Mavs are also facing a hard cap on the first apron, limiting their financial flexibility, while the Heat are close to the second apron. Additionally, Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 season, which complicates the Mavs’ long-term plans, especially if both he and Kyrie Irving opt out. If both players do, Dallas could only pursue one in free agency, potentially leading to a trade involving multiple players for just half a season of Butler.
A potential three-team trade might help facilitate the deal, but Dallas would have to give up more depth than they would prefer, especially after recently emphasizing the importance of depth following their NBA Finals appearance. The Mavs are currently one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and their core players have built strong chemistry, making a trade for Butler less of a priority. Despite ongoing rumors, the Mavericks are unlikely to pursue a trade for Butler unless a significant opportunity arises.
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