With less than three weeks until the trade deadline on February 6, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler‘s future with the Miami Heat. So far, we know he wants to join a title-contending team, most of whom are in the West. There is one particular team in the East that could be a suitor for Butler: The Milwaukee Bucks.
Would Jimmy Butler be Interested in the Bucks?
Is Butler Not Interested in the Bucks?
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported,
“And while it remains unclear which teams are truly willing to get into the Butler business, two league sources insisted that the Milwaukee Bucks have not, contrary to reports, been told by Butler’s camp that he doesn’t want to play there,”
“While the Bucks ended Sacramento’s seven-game winning streak on Tuesday night and have won 20 of their last 29 games (including the NBA Cup finale), Giannis Antetokounmpo was sure to highlight their 0-8 record against the top-three teams in the East after Sunday’s one-sided loss to New York. That sort of messaging, one could argue, should compel Milwaukee to keep the option open as the deadline nears.”
Any Jimmy Butler Trade with the Bucks is Difficult:
Any deal involving Butler will be difficult due to his age, contract, injury history, and troubled past. In addition, getting a final max extension from a different team can allow Butler to play freely. However, is Butler worth a max extension at 35? This is why Butler didn’t receive his extension during the previous summer.
It all comes down to dollars, even though there can be other outside influences. Additionally, there is mutual interest because the Phoenix Suns are the only team ready to give Butler the maximum amount. However, a third team would need to strike an appealing deal while figuring out transactions to move Butler to either of those cities. Phoenix must find a willing suitor for Bradley Beal, who would also need to accept due to his no-trade clause. Also, the Bucks would need to trim roughly $6 million off Jimmy Butler’s aggregate salary to get him.
The Last Word
Although it seems unlikely, Jimmy Butler joining the Bucks would be interesting. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard spearheading the offensive effort, the Bucks already have a solid dynamic, and Butler excels as a leader. Butler’s clutch plays and defensive tenacity would suit their competitive mentality, but adding him may upset their chemistry. Jimmy, on the other hand, has strayed from the Heat and is at a turning point.
Butler would have to wait until a third club emerges unless the Bucks offer Miami a tempting trade deal. It’s not simple, but it’s feasible. That ignores the fact that Milwaukee must be open to adding Butler to its core, which already consists of Giannis and Lillard. With a 24-17 record, Milwaukee is the fourth seed; they are 2.5 games behind the New York Knicks and three games ahead of the eight-seed Miami Heat (21-20). For now, Milwaukee wants to make the most of its core, but it’s unclear if Butler shares this desire.
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