With three meetings in the NBA Playoffs over the last five years, the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat have built up a rivalry in recent memory.
A pivotal component in this rivalry is Jimmy Butler, who led Miami to upset victories over Milwaukee in both 2020 and 2023. Though the Bucks did get the best of him and the Heat back in 2021 en route to their first championship in 50 years, he has been a constant thorn in their side on other occasions. Now, it appears this rivalry, at least the chapter with Jimmy Butler, may soon come to an end.
Bucks' rival wants out of Miami and a fresh start
Per ESPN NBA insiders Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, Butler has indicated to the Heat that he wants the team to trade him and is willing to play anywhere else. This report surfaced shortly after the six-time All-Star answered "probably not" when asked if he could get his joy back in Miami. Tensions between Butler and Miami have been boiling over for weeks, and they won't be stopping soon.
While the two sides could always make amends - Kobe Bryant famously requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers back in the day and ultimately worked things out - but right now, it feels like the two sides are nowhere close to mending fences.
Milwaukee Bucks fans will certainly not be too upset if Jimmy Butler and the Heat separate after the headache he's caused them over the past several seasons.
In addition to the battles in the NBA Playoffs over the years, this rivalry goes even deeper, as fans are well aware that the Bucks swooped in and stole Damian Lillard from Miami, his preferred landing spot, in 2023. That move may serve as a domino effect of sorts, as the Heat haven't made many upgrades since falling short there, and Butler could very well be fed up with the lack of moves.
Before Milwaukee Bucks fans ask, the likelihood of them being one of the teams to acquire Butler is pretty slim. Currently, they cannot aggregate salaries in a trade, but even if they were to get out of the second apron, they have far from the best asset combination to offer Miami. Yet, it will be fascinating to see where he ends up, as this could impact the East Playoff standings mightily.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.