New Report on Potential Jimmy Butler to Memphis Grizzlies Trade

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Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is currently serving a seven-game suspension from the team amid what has been a well-documented trade request by the six-time NBA All-Star. Reportedly wanting to play anywhere but Miami, Butler may have very well played his last game for the Heat.
Different teams have been linked to Butler, but his looming free agency and current salary makes the situation complicated. One team rumored to have interest in the 35-year-old star is the Memphis Grizzlies. Currently third in the Western Conference, Memphis could elevate its roster by adding Butler.
A new report revealed the latest on a potential Butler to Memphis trade.

Per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, Memphis and the Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams “having ongoing discussions” about a Butler deal.
Via Gambadoro: “Some of the rumbling I have heard are that Memphis and Milwaukee are teams having ongoing discussions about a trade for Jimmy Butler. Miami weighing if it is better to trade him now or in offseason via sign and trade.”
Some of the rumbling I have heard are that Memphis and Milwaukee are teams having ongoing discussions about a trade for Jimmy Butler. Miami weighing if it is better to trade him now or in offseason via sign and trade.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025
Memphis is an interesting fit for Butler. With a few contracts that could make the money work, the Grizzlies have a more direct path to acquiring him than other teams.
Additionally, while the Grizzlies are led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., neither player has played beyond the Conference Semifinals. A player like Butler, who led Miami to two NBA Finals, could really help the Grizzlies advance in the playoffs.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.