As they continue to explore a trade of Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat's asking price remains quite perplexing.
The Jimmy Butler storyline hasn't evolved as perhaps the Miami Heat would've liked but, at this point, it's pretty clear that they're going to be looking to move on from the All-Star forward heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. Of course, that's in an ideal world. Right now, the Heat is operating in an environment that is far from perfect.
The entire situation between the Heat and Jimmy has gotten so toxic that it's hard to envision how this is all going to end with everyone winning. It's probably not. In fact, I believe there's a better chance this all ends with everyone losing in the long run. But, at least for now, the Heat have remained motivated to be the side that comes away with a better hand. I'm not sure if that's how this will all play out because it may not be realistic - especially with the perplexing asking price that the Heat continues to have in a trade for Jimmy.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Heat is looking for players who can contribute and help the team right now, young players, draft capital, and/or expiring contracts in exchange for Jimmy. Considering how limited of a market there currently is for Jimmy, those are pretty unrealistic asks for the Heat.
Which side will blink first?
As the NBA Trade Deadline quickly approaches, this could quickly become one of those situations where it comes down to which side blinks first. Will it be a desperate team like the Phoenix Suns or another team that ups their offer that blinks first or does the Heat get to such a desperate point where they become willing to take a player like Bradley Beal in the deal (as long as it comes with some draft compensation?
If I had to guess, I'd imagine there's a better chance the Heat ends up bending on their asking price. With how ugly it has gotten between the Heat and Jimmy, they may not have the luxury to wait out this situation any longer than the trade deadline - especially with the chance that Jimmy could opt into the final year of his contract with the team after this season.
The Heat can't afford that to happen and that could ultimately force them to make a move that perhaps doesn't fall in line with their supposed asking price.