Jimmy Butler may have made his Miami Heat return against the Denver Nuggets but his future is far from settled.
The NBA veteran sat out for the last seven games following his suspension by the Heat for ‘conduct issues.’
Jimmy Butler started the game against the Denver Nuggets scoring 18 points in the team’s 113-133 defeat, their third on the bounce.
Despite his return, trade rumors continue to flow and the NBA Cup Champions the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly interested.
Although Butler remains at the Heat there is still time for teams to get a trade deal done before the window closes on February 6th.
The Indiana Pacers have shown recent interest in Butler and following his Heat return, Butler was rather cryptic on his future with the franchise with all signs pointing to a likely exit.
Potential Bucks interest has been hinted at by league sources who have confirmed that the team are highly interested in trading Khris Middleton for Butler in any potential deal.
Any trade would not be simple, however, and the Bucks would likely have to move Pat Connaughton to a third team for financial reasons.
The thought of Butler playing in a team alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is a scary thought for most, especially those in the Eastern Conference.
Despite starting the season with a 2-8 record the Bucks have well and truly found their groove and are now sat fourth in the East at 23-17.
Kendrick Perkins spoke previously about how Middleton has ‘not looked good’ since returning from his injury layoff and urged the Bucks to go for Butler.
“If I’m Jimmy, and it’s all about winning, I’m going down to Milwaukee and teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard,” Perkins pitched.
| Jimmy Butler | Khris Middleton | |
| Points | 17.6 | 12.6 |
| Rebounds | 5.4 | 3.9 |
| Assists | 4.6 | 4.9 |
| Blocks | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Steals | 1.2 | 0.9 |
The stats don’t lie and Butler previously wanted the Heat to sign Lillard when he left the Portland Trail Blazers, so any chance to team up with Dame he could jump at.
A Bucks team which includes Butler would be a whole new level of dangerous.
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