• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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

 Butler was suspended for seven games by the Heat on Jan. 3, and the team is exploring trade options for the star.

Kim Klement-Imagn Images

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).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Las Vegas Aces

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.