The Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies reportedly are teams that are having discussions about potentially acquiring Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler in a trade.
Some of the rumbling I have heard are that Memphis and Milwaukee are teams having ongoing discussions about a trade for Jimmy Butler. Miami weighing if it is better to trade him now or in offseason via sign and trade.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025
Butler reportedly has indicated to Miami that he would like to be traded, and the Heat recently suspended the six-time All-Star for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.
BREAKING: Jimmy Butler has indicated to the Miami Heat he wants to be traded, per @ESPN
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) January 3, 2025
Milwaukee, the current No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, is 17-16 in the 2024-25 season and won the NBA Cup.
However, the Bucks would love to jump up into a top spot in the East, and it may take adding Butler to get there. The Bucks could potentially dangle veteran Khris Middleton in a deal, although it’s unclear if Miami would be interested in the former All-Star since he’s dealt with injuries in recent seasons.
Adding Butler to a core that already features Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo could make the Bucks one of the best teams in the league.
Meanwhile, Memphis is off to a fast start in the Western Conference after missing the playoffs last season. Injuries certainly hurt the Grizzlies last season as Ja Morant missed the majority of the season due to a suspension and a shoulder injury.
Through 36 games, the Grizzlies are 23-13 and hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. While Memphis may not want to move one of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane in a Butler deal, it could offer the Heat a package around Marcus Smart and some of its younger players in order to keep its core three stars on the roster.
It’s unclear if Miami would be interested in dealing with either of these teams, although the Heat did share that they would listen to offers for Butler.
Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
This season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3. He’s only appeared in 22 games for the Heat, and he’s averaging his fewest points per game since the 2013-14 season.
If the Heat decide to move Butler before this season’s trade deadline, it certainly appears that Milwaukee and Memphis could be in the mix as potential suitors.
