MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat and Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers had the cap space to sign Jimmy Butler last offseason, but the two sides never seemed close to a deal.
When the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest of the basketball world were waiting for Kawhi Leonard to sign this past offseason, the Heat were quietly completing a four-team deal that included the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers so they could acquire Jimmy Butler.