NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans Eye Jimmy Butler, Marcus Smart’s Future Uncertain

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Pelicans have approached the Miami Heat about a potential trade involving Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram, according to league sources. The discussions, which took place this week, could reshape the futures of both franchises as the NBA trade deadline looms on Feb. 6.

Ingram, 27, is on a $36 million expiring contract and became eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension last summer. However, the Pelicans have been hesitant to offer him a max deal. The Heat, meanwhile, are reportedly looking to move on from Butler, who is earning $48.8 million this season. A trade centered around Butler and Ingram could provide Miami with financial flexibility while giving the Pelicans a proven star to build around.

For the Heat, acquiring Ingram would make sense if he can recover from a high-grade ankle sprain that has sidelined him since Dec. 7. If he returns to form, Miami could re-sign him using Bird rights or explore a sign-and-trade in the offseason. The Pelicans, however, face a more complex situation. They need to shed $1.4 million to avoid the luxury tax and are unlikely to add payroll given their 12-36 record. Trading for Butler would likely require additional assets, raising questions about the team’s long-term strategy.

According to The Stein Line, the Pelicans have also engaged in preliminary discussions with other teams about Ingram, though no significant progress has been made. The Heat, who are close to the second apron under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, would need to structure any deal carefully to avoid exceeding salary limits.

Meanwhile, Marcus Smart‘s future with the Memphis Grizzlies remains uncertain. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year has been plagued by injuries this season, appearing in just 18 games. Smart suffered a finger injury in December and later fractured his thumb during a G League practice, requiring surgery. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed that Smart is still “week-to-week” and limited to individual workouts.

Smart’s $21.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season could make him a trade candidate as Memphis looks to manage its payroll. The Grizzlies are also preparing for potential extensions for key players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., adding further complexity to their financial outlook.

As the trade deadline approaches, the NBA landscape remains fluid, with multiple teams exploring deals to improve their rosters or gain financial flexibility. The Pelicans and Heat are among the most active, but whether a Butler-Ingram swap materializes remains to be seen.