The New Orleans Pelicans approached the Miami Heat this week about a potential trade involving Butler and forward Brandon Ingram, The

The Pelicans emerge as a trade suitor for Jimmy Butler in a potential Brandon Ingram deal with the Heat ahead of the February 6 deadline.

Failing to trade Butler before the deadline would be a disaster for the Heat. It's doubtful he will return to Erik Spoelstra's rotation this season, and even if he did, he would be nothing more than a distraction to his teammates. Furthermore, the Heat would be resigned to losing their star player in the summer, with nothing coming back in return.