Over the last several weeks, the five teams most often linked to Jimmy Butler are the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans.
Phoenix has been the favorite to land the disgruntled star all along, as they are his preferred landing spot after making it clear he wants to leave Miami. The Bucks have been looming in the shadows as a possible dark horse suitor. Memphis and Golden State were both interesting spots for the forward due to their rich set of assets. New Orleans' inclusion is odd, but they are there.
Several outlets have reported that Butler does not want to go to Memphis. Marc J. Spears even said on ESPN that, at one point, Butler wanted to end up anywhere but Miami or Memphis. Golden State looked like they had a legitimate shot of landing the All-Star as they desperately sought a shot in the arm, but their dreams may have just gotten crushed.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Sunday that Butler has told the Warriors he would be unwilling to sign an extension there. With that message loud and clear, talks between the Warriors and Heat have ceased for the time being. This may now be a three-team race as the February 6 trade deadline nears.
The Bucks, Suns and Pelicans may be the lone Butler suitors
While he clearly wants to ultimately land with the Suns, there have been no reports that Butler would not sign an extension with Milwaukee or New Orleans. The truth is that the Suns simply may have no way to land Butler unless they find a suitor for Bradley Beal, who not only makes $50 million per year but can also dictate exactly where he goes - if anywhere - due to a no-trade clause.
It feels like if the Suns had a way to get him, they would have by now, given how long this saga has been dragging.
Like they did by stealing Damian Lillard from Miami's grasp in 2023, many think the Bucks could step in and make a play for Butler as Phoenix struggles to do so. New rumors indicating that the Heat have lowered their asking price for the 35-year-old forward only give the Bucks more incentive to go after him if they do indeed have interest.
Ultimately, unless Jimmy Butler says he won't sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, they will be a suitor. It is interesting that there has been plenty of chatter about him not wanting to land with the Grizzlies or Warriors but nothing about the Bucks. Only time will tell, and the answer will be here soon enough as February 6 approaches.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.