Jimmy Butler Won’t Play For The Grizzlies?

Jimmy Butler Won’t Play For The Grizzlies?

So it turns out this was a lie? So much for the “Anywhere but Miami” part, huh?

Jimmy Butler: “I want me to get my joy back from playing basketball, and wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon.”

When asked if he can get his joy back here on the court, he said “probably not.”@hothothoops @5ReasonsSports #HEATNationpic.twitter.com/5Y7lG37Y3X

— Matt Hanifan (@mph_824_) January 3, 2025

It sure feels like the bridge has been burned between Jimmy Butler and the Heat. With a trade looming, teams are lining up to potentially acquire the former Marquette product. Except for the fact that “anywhere but Miami” isn’t actually true.

The Grizzlies are interested but have been told to stay away.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Memphis along with a few other teams were told not to even bother trading for Butler.

Sources: A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/200eV8gjxk

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2025

Marcus Smart and or Brandon Clarke would likely have to be included in a trade to line up salaries. However, based on this report, I’m not sure it’s even worth putting together a trade package on the trade machine. Butler does have some control here given that he can become a free agent after this season.

Jimmy Butler Chose The Heat In Free Agency After Playing Dominoes In Miami

Butler, 35, makes $48.8 million this season and has a $52.4-million player option for next season. That option feels likely to be declined so that he can cash in on one more long term deal.

It sure feels like the Suns are Butler’s preferred landing spot. Thus far, Phoenix also appears to be the only team willing to extend Butler at the contract number he wants next offseason too. The only problem with that is Miami would have to take Bradley Beal back and he currently has a no-trade clause and could decline a move to the Heat if he wants to. Let’s also mention the fact that Phoenix essentially has zero draft assets so I have no idea how they even pull this type of move off.

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