Tensions have been simmering around the Miami Heat star’s possible trade for quite some time. If anything, Paul Pierce’s latest remarks have only fueled the fire. Heat star Jimmy Butler is reportedly in trade talks, with two reputed teams also in the conversation. Butler had also previously voiced his desire to remain with Miami. Amidst all the chaos, Boston Celtics legend Pierce made a bold claim.

The Truth explained how every team is missing just one piece and that one trade, underlined by Jimmy Butler’s move, could balance things. He said the same about the Miami Heat’s chances of being a contender. Speaking of Miami, he pointed out the team’s struggles to remain healthy, particularly with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, who haven’t played in all 65 games since the 2018-19 season.

“Every team is one trade away I think they’re missing a piece because you got the coaching you got the culture you know and really haven’t been known to be a great regular season team but for some reason been great in the playoffs so I wouldn’t never count Miami out based on the history over the last four or five years,” Pierce said on The Dan Le Batard Show.

Highlighting the tough situation with the Miami Heat, Pierce said, “I know the streets when the streets be talking and I know a word on the streets. It’s ‘Things ain’t too sunny down there in Miami’ I don’t know…I’m not sure Jimmy is gonna be there by the end of the year,”

Pierce feels that Butler might be interested in a trade by the end of the year. The Heat star is making $48.8 million and will have a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. However, he will have an opportunity to choose a different home to show his talent if he declines the option.

And if Pierce is right about his claims, the Mavericks and Rockets are the two teams that are currently in talks. But it’s unlikely for the Dallas Mavericks to disrupt their team balance with Klay Thompson. Moreover, it would be difficult for the team to match Butler’s salary. On the other hand, Butler might find a fitting place with the Houston Rockets.

However, Pierce, who refused to share the sources behind his claims, once suggested the Bucks as the right place for Butler.

Paul Pierce says Jimmy Butler can save Milwaukee Bucks

Pierce believes that the Milwaukee Bucks can bring the 6x NBA All-Star in to change their fate. The team didn’t have an impressive start this season. With defense clearly being an issue, the team faced challenges with injuries. As per the Celtics legend, Butler’s addition to the team could help the Bucks elevate.

Speaking on The Ticket & The Truth podcast, he said, “I like Jimmy Butler on a team that can get you over the top. Like Jimmy Butler to Milwaukee makes more sense to me. He could be that missing piece at the age of 35 that you need to take the pressure off of Giannis and Dame Lillard.”

He added, “If I’m 35, I want to go somewhere to where I got a chance to for a [championship] at this point,” Pierce shared. “That I can help a team get over the top.”

That would also be highly helpful for Butler. Heading to the Bucks would mean the Heat veteran joining Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. If things turn out the way The Truth suggests, it will indeed be a win-win. However, all of this depends on Pierce’s previous claims about whether Butler is looking for a change.