If the Miami Heat desire strictly win-now pieces in return for star Jimmy Butler, a three-team deal is their best option. This way, the Heat trade Butler to a contender, which sends young players and draft assets to a third team while Miami receives competitive pieces from that third team in return.

Amid rumors that the veteran star could be traded, Heat president Pat Riley said Thursday the team will not be trading Butler.

As the trade odyssey of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler continues, there was one moment that came as a shock to some fans of the team and the basketball world. With all the speculation, Heat president Pat Riley released a statement saying bluntly that the team will not be trading Butler which garnered more debate among ESPN analysts.