Report: Heat's trade for Butler complete as part of 4-team deal
The Miami Heat's trade to acquire Jimmy Butler is complete, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe on Monday, with four teams involved - the Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
In connection to the earlier reported trade sending Hassan Whiteside from Miami to Portland, Maurice Harkless and his $11-million expiring deal goes from the Blazers to the Clippers, according to Wojnarowski.
L.A. will also get a lottery-protected 2023 first-round pick from the Heat, a source told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. If it doesn't convey in 2023, it'll also be lottery protected for 2024. The same conditions would also apply for the following year. The draft pick becomes unprotected in 2026 if it doesn't convey beforehand.
Josh Richardson is the lone player heading to the 76ers.
The four-team deal allows the Heat to sign Butler to a four-year, $142-million max contract.
Even after the addition of Harkless, the Clippers still have a max-salary slot available, and the team has been linked to Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard.