At first, it was anywhere but Miami. Secondly, it was narrowed down to the Phoenix Suns because they were reportedly the only team willing to pay him. Now, a new report surfaced Thursday that Butler’s willing to play anywhere but the Memphis Grizzlies, according to NBA insider Marc J. Spears.
“I was told today from someone close to the situation that his wish list is just out of Miami, with the exception to Memphis,” Spears said. “But he does wanna finish his career wherever he goes. That’s the key.”
The Grizzlies were reportedly one of the teams that were told not to trade for Butler–along with the Milwaukee Bucks, who may not be completely out of the “sweepstakes.”
The Grizzlies, the smallest market team in the NBA, have the 10th-lowest projected payroll next season and will be eligible to extend Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, Marcus Smart and John Konchar next season followed by Desmond Bane ahead of 2026-27.
The big one is Jackson, a tantalizing 6-foot-10 big who will be entering his age-26 season while on a frontloaded contract. Morant, Bane, Clarke, Konchar, Vince Williams, Zach Edey, G.G. Jackson and Jay Huff have guaranteed deals beyond 2025-26; Scotty Pippen and Jaylen Wells, who’s been one of the league’s best rookies are also on partially guaranteed contracts.
It could be complicated to theoretically fit Butler into that mold if they do extend Jackson, though consolidating a few of its role players to go all-in for Butler now could be an enticing move. If Morant is fully healthy, the Grizzlies will always be a contender. And Butler’s shown to be a playoff riser, though it would be different being the third or fourth fiddle instead of the first.
But it’s still all about money with the 35-year-old star; it always has been and always will be. He’s begging on his knees to go to another shaky situation in Phoenix because they’re going to pay him. It does feel strange he’d rule out Memphis because of how well he would fit, and there’s no guarantee that any of the other 28 teams would pay him either.
What do you think about his latest request? Let us know in the comments!
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Hey Jimmy, you are the one demanding the trade so it’s up to you and your agent to find a team with an offer that doesn’t shaft Miami. I’m no fortune teller but, otherwise, I see much unhappiness and more unpaid suspensions in your future. Get to work Jimmy. The trade deadline is only 12 days away.
Translation: Jimmy only wants to go to a team that will extend his contract.
So far it looks like Phoenix is the only team willing to do that, and Brad Beal’s no trade-clause is preventing that from happening. So either Jimmy goes to a team like Memphis or Sacramento, or he gets suspended until the offseason.