The biggest fish swimming through the NBA’s trade waters this season is Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler, who guided the franchise to the NBA Finals in 2020 but has yet to taste championship success in his NBA career.

Butler is contemplating whether to leave Miami in 2025, a complicated scenario that could see him traded in the next six weeks or decline his player option to enter free agency in six months’ time.

Butler has long been lauded for his consistency, versatility, and hunger to win — qualities that could complement LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Butler amidst questions over his availability.

For the past week or so, NBA media has linked Butler strongly with the Golden State Warriors, as the franchise attempts to win a fifth championship in its Steph Curry era. However, the momentum might be shifting down the California coast toward Los Angeles, where the Lakers are ever in pursuit of another star to partner LeBron and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs are additional possibilities for Butler should the Heat move on from the six-time All-Star. However, the Lakers are concerned about the 35-year-old Butler’s $48.8 million salary — which would rise to $52 million in 2025 if he exercises the player option in his contract.

And the urgency in Golden State is high after the Warriors suffered a 51-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday; the Dubs can also offer the Heat an enticing trade package if they decided to go after Butler, with Jonathan Kuminga, Dennis Schroeder, and Andrew Wiggins among the players who could make a deal possible.

At any rate, the 13-11 Heat don’t feel the urgency of Butler’s suitors in the Western Conference. Miami is still in position to make the playoffs and has the flexibility under legendary executive Pat Riley to stand pat, make additions, or make subtractions if necessary before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.