The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly are not closing the door on a long-term extension with forward Brandon Ingram. Jake Fischer, writing for The Stein

Heat star Jimmy Butler is in the middle of a paternity battle with his ex, Kaitlin Nowak, over their three children.

According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Pelicans are a team to monitor as a potential facilitator in a Butler trade. He also mentioned that since New Orleans has been looking to deal Ingram, the Heat could be interested with Butler’s possible exit.

New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson could potentially return to the lineup on Tuesday after missing 27 games.

Heat forward Jimmy Butler stands on the court during the second half of Friday's game against the Nuggets. (Lynne Sladky)

Butler was indeed back, scoring 18 points in 33 minutes in a Heat loss to the Nuggets, where Denver was comfortably in charge most of the night. Nikola Jokic had a 24-point triple-double to lead Denver.

Coming off a team-enforced seven-game suspension and embroiled in controversy and trade rumours, Jimmy Butler is set to make his return to the Miami Heat’s starting lineup on Friday.

NBA insider Bill Simmons is playing matchmaker and believes the Spurs should zero in on Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

Remember how much time we — and I am part of that “we” — spent in the past year talking about whether Donovan Mitchell wanted to re-sign with this team? When he did, we asked if that would mean a Darius Garland trade?

Tensions are high, but Butler can bolster his own market by playing well for Miami when his suspension ends after Wednesday's game in LA.

A breakdown of some of the players, teams and trends around the league that are drawing the ire of yours truly. If you're not a fellow pessimist, proceed with caution.  The New Orleans Pelicans are getting awfully close to the "it's time to trade Zion Williamson" line,