Jimmy Butler has long been linked to the Phoenix Suns, but the Memphis Grizzlies, who are a true contender, might be able to get involved in the trade.
Ever since Jimmy Butler publicly requested a trade from the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns have been the most plausible destination, despite Bradley Beal being unwilling to waive his no-trade clause.
At 21-21 on the season, the Suns could use an injection of talent, and Butler fits their areas of need and competitive timeline. However, unless Beal is willing to head to Miami, a deal between the two teams is impossible.
Of course, Butler doesn’t have to go to the desert, and the 28-15 Memphis Grizzlies could be looking to speed up their title window around Ja Morant.
As far as possible Butler landing spots go, the Memphis Grizzlies make the most sense. For both financial and basketball reasons, trades to the Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and even Brooklyn Nets–who Butler was linked to earlier in the year–are not practical.
“I think it’s worth the swing. I really do,” said ESPN insider Bobby Marks on The Kevin O’Connor Show.
He added: “Everything else is complicated, whether it be like Golden State, or Dallas, or, like any Phoenix, of course, with the Beal situation with the no trade, Memphis is right up there.”
“As far as being like, I don’t want to say easy, but it’s not as complicated. It’s not complicated.”
The Grizzlies aren’t as constricted as the Suns, with O’Connor saying a trade to the Grizzlies “makes a hell of a lot more sense” than the Suns for Butler and the Heat’s front office, who might be wary about taking on Beal’s contract even if the star agreed to be traded.
Between Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and the solid cast of role players in Miami, the Heat wouldn’t have to tear down and rebuild just because they trade Butler.
The Grizzlies have ten players on payroll younger than 25 years old, and several of them have already proven that they can be solid NBA players, so the Grizzlies can pick and choose who they send out.
“You’re not sacrificing your core guys,” said Marks of the trade. “I do think it’s worth the swing.”
In theory, the Grizzlies could offer Marcus Smart, Jay Huff, John Konchar, Brandon Clarke, and some draft capital to the Heat for Butler. Smart is the only player in that package who plays more than 20 minutes per game in Memphis, so the Heat land some quality role players, and the Grizzlies don’t have to give up any of their top players.
After the season, the Grizzlies could offer Butler a new contract based on how well he performs in the playoffs, giving Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant a co-star for the next few seasons.
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