The only bit of clarity about Jimmy Butler’s situation on the Miami Heat is that he looks set to leave.
Jimmy Butler has worn out his welcome on the Miami Heat, suspended for a third time this month after walking out of practice.
There are questions over where he will end up, with Miami ready to deal Butler, providing they can find the right deal.
The Heat do not want Bradley Beal due to his expensive salary, meaning that if the Phoenix Suns persist with pursuing Butler, a multi-team trade is required.
Updating the situation via ESPN, insider Shams Charania confirmed the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns have held trade talks with the Miami Heat.
In response, three-times NBA champion Danny Green does not believe Butler helps either team compete for the title. Instead he recommends the Memphis Grizzlies.
Green explains: “I don’t think he puts either one of them over the edge. I think he helps Phoenix some, they’ve become a better team than Golden State, I don’t see them being in contention.
“I think the team that he should consider and re-consider is the team that he doesn’t want to go to, is the Memphis Grizzlies.
“They’re a top seeded team in the West. They’ve been very good. They’re young. They need some edge, some toughness defensively, they need that another wing.”
Green believes the Grizzlies can compete for the title with Butler, and also argues it’s a deal that can work financially for the veteran.
“If he goes to Memphis. I think he puts them in contention, and a group that can be a winning team for some years to come.
“They probably have the money to give him that extension, he’s looking for as well.”
Speaking to ESPN 24 hours earlier prior to Butler’s latest suspension, Kendrick Perkins also projected the Memphis Grizzlies as the top choice for the player.
Trade expert Bobby Marks has also given his backing for a Grizzlies move for Butler, arguing it is a cleaner deal in terms of contracts than any other top contender.
The Memphis Grizzlies are already third in the Western Conference with a 31-16 record, but were blown out in a loss to the Knicks, showing that there is room for improvement that Butler could provide.
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