Jimmy Butler reportedly could land up at Heat’s Eastern Conference rivals amid trade buzz
The Milwaukee Bucks are emerging as potential suitors for Jimmy Butler amidst ongoing trade saga with the Miami Heat.
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Milwaukee Bucks are interested in Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler remains at the center of any and all trade discussions, and with the February 6 trade deadline fast approaching, his next destination is still uncertain. While the Phoenix Suns were initially viewed as the frontrunners for Butler, that deal appears to be rapidly stalling. In the meantime, a new suitor has emerged in the Eastern Conference—the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee has previously been linked to Jimmy Butler, but speculation is ramping up again as the deadline approaches. The Bucks are searching for ways to upgrade their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, and Butler’s two-way skill set could provide the edge they need for another deep playoff run. However, it will not be easy for the Bucks to orchestrate a trade because of their financial restrictions.
I continue to hear whispered warnings: Don’t forget about the Bucks. Milwaukee, as you’ve also surely committed to memory by now, can’t combine contracts in any offer for Butler until it first sheds Pat Connaughton’s contract or does so as part of a larger Butler trade construction.
Marc Stein reported
The Milwaukee Bucks are a team to watch for Jimmy Butler, with Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis potentially heading to Miami, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 29, 2025
“I continue to hear whispered warnings: Don't forget about the Bucks. Milwaukee, as you've also surely committed to memory by now,… pic.twitter.com/n5eoHG76zm
Milwaukee’s interest in Butler makes sense. With Antetokounmpo and Lillard leading the charge, the Bucks are firmly in win-now mode, but their supporting cast has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Khris Middleton has battled persistent health issues over the past two seasons, and Bobby Portis might not be enough to push Milwaukee past Boston or Cleveland in the East.
If the Bucks can create the necessary cap space, a Jimmy Butler deal could help solidify their status as legitimate title contenders. The trade would also benefit the Heat, who have struggled without Butler’s leadership and offensive production. In Middleton, Miami would gain an experienced scorer who fits into their system, while Portis would provide much-needed frontcourt depth.
Jimmy Butler to Phoenix Suns trade starting to fizzle Out
For weeks, Jimmy Butler was linked to the Phoenix Suns, but momentum on that front has all but disappeared. The biggest roadblock? Bradley Beal’s contract. The Suns need to offload Beal’s massive salary to make room for Butler, but Beal holds a no-trade clause and has shown no intention of waiving it
The Suns’ efforts to land Butler have hit a dead end due to their lack of viable trade assets. Any potential deal would require a multi-team framework, with a fourth or even fifth franchise getting involved to help redistribute contracts. However, no team has been eager to take on Beal’s salary, leaving Phoenix with limited options.
The Suns’ overall roster depth is a concern. They already sacrificed significant assets in acquiring Kevin Durant and Beal, leaving them with few tradeable pieces outside of their star trio. Even if Phoenix somehow navigates the Beal situation, the lack of depth could leave them vulnerable in a highly competitive Western Conference.
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Armaan Gupta
(372 Articles Published)