According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Miami Heat are “open to offers” for star forward Jimmy Butler.

However, Charania added that any deal for Miami would have to be “right” to get the Heat to bite. Butler’s agent, meanwhile, has floated the idea that the six-time All-Star might welcome a move to the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks or Golden State Warriors.

Butler and the Heat are facing a major fork in the road after Charania reported for The Athletic in June that he planned to decline his player option for 2025-26.

Either trading the 35-year-old or losing him to free agency would likely trigger a reset for Miami after five straight playoff games. Given his age and the more restrictive collective bargaining agreement, signing a maximum extension carries its own risks.

By not moving Butler in the offseason with his expiring contract hanging over the organization, the Heat signaled their desire to continue pursuing postseason success in the short term. One assumes they could change their tune if they sense their championship window is all but closed.

Miami is fifth in the Eastern Conference but has a record of 12-10. Erik Spoelstra’s team also ranks 12th in net rating (plus-2.7), according to NBA.com.

A three-game winning streak gives cause for some courage. The run includes a 41-point win over the Los Angeles Lakers and a 122-113 victory over the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers.

The February 6th trade deadline is almost two months away, so there is no reason for the Heat’s front office to make a final decision one way or the other on Butler.

That they have at least expressed a willingness to listen to trade packages makes the move at least a possibility that would potentially reshape the title race.