Every day, it feels like something new. But as far as we know, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is open to being a part of 28 organizations–of them but the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies.
The latter was ruled out at the start of the process, even though they were still “lurking” in the process. According to a report from Sam Amick, Fred Katz and Eric Nehm of The Athletic, when the Heat and Grizzlies’ brass talked, the Heat asked about their young players–which the Grizzlies rejected.
“The Grizzlies, for example, have held exploratory talks with Miami about Butler, but those interactions haven’t gone far,” the report read. “According to league sources, the Heat asked about Memphis’ young players, which the Grizzlies rebuffed.
“Memphis hasn’t made an official offer for Butler and is hesitant to part with any of its promising youth or draft picks of consequence, league sources said. A hypothetical Butler package would include matching salaries and not much more. The Grizzlies could hardly turn the Heat back into a juggernaut, but they could help Miami accomplish one of its goals in a Butler negotiation: opening up cap room in 2026.
“But the Grizzlies haven’t even placed a concrete offer in front of Miami yet. It’s possible they never do.”
While it wasn’t specified, a few of the young players of interest could include second-round rookie Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia. Memphis would have to find a way to intermix a combination of Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, among others.
Nevertheless, as the days ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline wind down–we’re less than 72 hours away–it wouldn’t make sense for the Grizzlies to make a legitimate offer.
If we’re talking about what’s strictly going on the court, Butler would be an excellent fit alongside Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s due for an extension this upcoming offseason.
Butler’s biggest knock is that he isn’t a floor spacer–which would be thinned out if the Grizzlies had to part with, say, Kennard–but when he’s engaged, Butler’s more than capable of creating on the ball with very good instincts defensively.
That’s a big if nowadays, however, especially in Miami. It appears that his most likely destination is Phoenix, but there is a Bradley Beal-sized problem with no apparent resolution in sight if the Heat isn’t willing to eat his disastrous contract for the next two-and-a-half seasons.
What do you think the end outcome is? Let us know in the comments!
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I still wonder why Phoenix would give a Jimmy the contract he wants. I can understand the rental part, and the desire to get rid of Beal, but paying Jimmy so much and keeping him around two more years seems really ill conceived
This is the Suns we’re talking about. They have Beal on the books, so clearly not a model for rational, forward thinking .
If Riley is unwilling to give Butler a two-year extension after 2025, why would he accept a 3 year contract for Beal through 2027? That dog won’t hunt.
Wow, the latest proposals seem even less concrete. What a conundrum! It’s a riddle wrapped up in a mystery inside an enigma.
Remember everything you read and hear is usually about 12-24 hours behind.
Right now we have reports the Suns are doing all they can. That the Warriors are still in it and contemplating just a Jimmy rental if he doesn’t want to sign, same goes for the Grizzlies.
I like that the Heat asked about their young players. You never know, example Luka-AD trade lol. But if the Grizz are still interested knowing it’s a rental I’m sure the Heat will end up gladly taking Clarke, Smart and Kennard.
That was exactly the trade i noted in the previous thread. They are not young players and the trade works straight up – you don’t need to get any other teams involved. Those players can help this season. 2 of the 3 are on expiring contracts. The 3rd is making $12.5 million. It frees up $7 million – the difference of Butler’s $48 vs their $41. If they throw in any pick, the Heat should do it and move on.
Also, I didn’t realize until recently that it is important to make the playoffs this season because, if not, both the OKC (?) and Charlotte picks become fully unprotected in ‘26 and ‘28.
I’d take that deal too. I always liked Smart. And Clarke and Kennard are useful too.