As they always do, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring the idea of adding a star player who just became available.
They apparently have interest in Jimmy Butler, who is currently away from the Miami Heat as they aim to find him a new home. However, after Butler initially said he would play for every other team outside of Miami, he has changed his tune. NBA insiders Kevin O'Connor and Jake Fischer have both now reported that Butler's camp has discouraged the Bucks from trading for him.
The Milwaukee Bucks are not alone, as the Memphis Grizzlies are another team Butler's camp has also told to back off.
Butler appears fully locked in on finding a way to get to Phoenix, where he could join forces with both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker while also setting himself up for a contract extension this offseason.
The Bucks landing Jimmy Butler is likely a long shot
Although this is the current status of things, it does not mean the Bucks are out of the race entirely. Of course, fans will remember that Damian Lillard wanted to go to Miami and only Miami when he first wanted out of Portland in 2023. The wheels never got turning on that, and he eventually broadened his horizons, which led to the trade to the Bucks.
With little to no traction on a deal between Phoenix and Miami at this point, with Bradley Beal having a no-trade clause and his agent saying they've had no talks about waiving that, it's reasonable to think this could drag on. If it does, perhaps Butler could eventually do what Damian Lillard did and embrace a few more new landing spots just to get away from his current situation.
Yet, unlike Lillard, Butler has forced himself out of several franchises now, and at this point, he seems to get his way sooner or later. It will be all about which side ultimately gives in first.
The Milwaukee Bucks very well may have to pivot from Jimmy Butler
Milwaukee will undoubtedly be among the more active teams in the NBA leading up to the deadline, whether they can get Butler or not. Obviously, Butler would have been the flashiest addition on the market, but even if he's off the table, that doesn't mean this team cannot improve. An athletic big man or another sturdy defensive wing could do this group a lot of good.
Time will tell what the Milwaukee Bucks have in mind with less than a month before the trade deadline.
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