All eyes are directed now towards Jimmy Butler’s potential newest stop in the midst of his looming bitter divorce with the Miami Heat.
Butler has been away from the Heat after being slapped with a hefty seven-game suspension by the franchise for multiple conduct detrimental to the team. Throughout this ongoing span, Miami is compelled to follow the wish of the embattled star to find a trade upon indicating that he desires to be moved.
As it remains to be seen on which team will likely emerge as the trade partner of the Heat, two intriguing teams have reportedly joined the mix who expressed interest in acquiring Butler.
While there’s been a strong attention towards the likes of Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns for the Butler sweepstakes, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks meanwhile have entered as two newest groups to watch who could pursue the All-Star.
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, both the Grizzlies and the Bucks are having “ongoing discussions” for the possibility of trading for Butler.
As such, the Heat are still inclined on weighing their situation if they’ll either part ways with Butler this season or pursue a sign-and-trade pact in the next couple of months within the offseason.
As trade rumblings persist, Memphis and Milwaukee are considerably unlikely candidates that could land Butler. Despite this, both teams can certainly make efforts to complete a deal with Miami.
The Grizzlies couldn’t be more of a perfect destination for Butler considering their timeline, assets available, roster depth, and contention odds. The current No. 3 team in the West with a 23-13 card, Memphis boasts tons of serviceable pieces and draft picks that can entice the Heat for a transaction, and they’d certainly love the idea of having Butler who stands as one of the most prolific playoff performers ever who could lead the way for them to the top alongside their main core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
As for the Bucks, their current position as a second apron team will strictly impose restrictions for them to go at Butler. As they have to match Butler’s $48 million salary, they’ll be required to sacrifice most of their depth and even identify a third-team facilitator to work a deal with the Heat.
For being one of their main nemesis in the Eastern Conference as well, it would be further illogical for Miami to aid Milwaukee in improving their star power around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
As there’s still a likelihood for Butler to return to the Heat despite all of the drama he endured with them, we can only wait what would be the next to unfold.
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