Jimmy Butler Set for Heat Return, Bucks Emerge As Trade Option

Jimmy Butler is expected to return from a seven-game suspension when the Heat host the Nuggets on Friday. But the uncertainty around his future in Miami remains.

The six-time All-Star, who has requested a trade from the Heat, reiterated to team president Pat Riley last week that he wants to be traded, according to a report by ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania. Multiple reports have confirmed that Phoenix is Butler’s desired destination.

The Suns—who made a minor trade Wednesday by acquiring Nick Richards from the Hornets in exchange for Josh Okogie—still face the same dilemma: They must find an acceptable deal involving Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause. Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told The Athletic on Tuesday that “nothing is brewing” between the Heat and Suns involving Beal.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported last week that some teams, particularly the Grizzlies, have been told to steer clear of trading for Butler. The Heat star can opt out of his contract this offseason to become a free agent, so any team that acquires Butler without the assurance he will re-sign is in danger of him turning into a half-season rental.

However, The Athletic reported Tuesday the Bucks have not been given the same guidance as Memphis. Milwaukee is in a similar position as the Suns since they are second-apron violators and have two stars—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard—who would likely not be involved in a deal. The trade offer would have to revolve around their third star, Khris Middleton, who is in the second season of a three-year, $93 million deal with a player option next season.

Unlike Beal, Middleton does not have a no-trade clause, which makes the deal much easier to facilitate, should the Heat be interested. In order to match Butler’s $48.8 million salary this year, Milwaukee will likely need to include former Sixth Man of the Year Bobby Portis Jr. ($12.6 million) or Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million).