Miami Heat DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is drawing links with the Brooklyn Nets ahead of what could be his final campaign in Miami. Citing a source close to Butler, The New York Post's Brian Lewis has noted that the six-time All-Star "likes" Brooklyn. Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 season, but he isn't expected to pick it up. With him turning 35 in a couple of weeks, Butler will have a chance to get his final big payday next summer. He'll be looking to prove his worth in the upcoming campaign, and as a result, we should see a very motivated version of Butler on the court, which previously hasn't always been the case during the regular season.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is hoping to stay healthy this season. He's also looking to improve in certain areas of his game. "My biggest thing right now is developing my body and trying to get stronger so that I can stay as healthy as possible throughout the season," said Herro during a recent interview. "As for adding to my strengths, I really want to sharpen up my efficiency to maximize my abilities as a scorer." The 24-year-old was the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2022. However, after moving into the starting lineup in the last two seasons, he's been limited to 109 games due to injury. On a positive note, Herro finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 20.8 points, a career-high, and making 39.6% of his tries from behind the arc. But considering Herro hasn't played more than 67 games in a season since entering the NBA, he must prove he can remain off the injury report before fantasy managers feel comfortable adding him to the roster in the years ahead. With that said, if the 2019 No. 13 overall pick can stay on the floor, he has All-Star potential.

Forward/center Kevin Love declined his $4 million player option with the Miami Heat on Saturday. The veteran finished last season by averaging 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. However, he appeared in just 55 games. Without question, Love's best days are behind him. While there's a chance he could return to Miami, it won't make him a consistent fantasy option, even though he should have a handful of productive showings during the 2024-25 campaign regardless of where he ends up.

The Sacramento Kings traded point guard Davion Mitchell and forward Sasha Vezenkov to the Toronto Raptors for forward Jalen McDaniels on Thursday, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The trade gives the Kings some flexibility, opening up a roster spot. Mitchell was the No. 9 pick in 2021. Last season he averaged 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 15.3 minutes per game. Vezenkov averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds during his first season in the NBA. McDaniels averaged 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in his only season as a Raptor.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler doesn't intend to sign an extension this year and plans to hit free agency next summer. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler will not sign an extension with the Heat or any other team. Charania added that Butler is "determined" to have a big season in 2024-25 to earn himself a major payday. The six-time All-Star has two years remaining on his current contract but can opt out of it in 12 months' time. A highly motivated Butler should be an exciting sight for fantasy managers. He tends to cruise through the regular season but has been godly at times in the playoffs.