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Fan breaks Jimmy Butler-Warriors megadeal news to Kevin Love, Tyler Herro midgame vs 76ers

The Miami Heat found out Jimmy Butler got traded in the funniest way possible.

By Joseph Kallan

Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) talks to forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) talks to forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Some midseason trades shake the league to its core, leaving fans scrambling to refresh their phones and players hearing the news in the most unexpected ways. That's what happened to the Miami Heat.

For Kevin Love, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Tyler Herro, they didn’t need Twitter to find out. Instead, they learned about the Jimmy Butler trade during Wednesday night's game. Sitting on the Miami bench, players turned as a courtside fan read out the notification from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“Anything else in the draft capital?” Love asked, processing the trade for the first time. “A first-round pick, protected… they didn’t give out the year,” the fan responded.

What started as a straight-up Butler-for-Wiggins trade quickly expanded into something bigger. Seconds after the initial report, Charania revealed a series of secondary moves, including:

  • Dennis Schroder → Utah Jazz
  • Kyle Anderson → Detroit Pistons
  • P.J. Tucker → Miami Heat

While Toronto had been involved at one point, they ultimately backed out, leaving Miami with Wiggins, Anderson, and Tucker as part of a massive five-team trade.

Of all the Heat players, Kevin Love had been the most vocal throughout Butler’s ongoing tensions with the franchise. Whether it was cryptic Instagram posts or meme-worthy TV clips, Love wasn’t shy about poking fun at Butler’s apparent disinterest in staying with the team.

Now, with the trade finally complete, the Heat roster can refocus on the road ahead — without the off-court distractions.

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Miami Heat trade additions

  • Andrew Wiggins (17.6 PPG, 44.6 FG%) — Brings a much-needed scoring punch to the lineup. Can fill Butler’s defensive role on the wing.
  • Kyle Anderson (5.2 PPG, 15.0 MPG, 36 games played) — Has struggled this season but provides versatility off the bench.
  • P.J. Tucker (No games played this season) — A familiar face who brings toughness, defense, and veteran leadership.

For Miami, this trade closes the chapter on Butler’s era and ushers in a new, team-first approach. With a retooled roster, the focus now shifts to the playoffs, where the Heat hope to make a serious push in the Eastern Conference.

While fans will debate Butler’s legacy in Miami, one thing is certain — the Heat are moving forward, and the postseason battle is just beginning.

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