The Milwaukee Bucks have been hovering around trade rumors for weeks, and now, a new development should only increase their interest in making a major splash.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Miami Heat have lowered their asking price for Jimmy Butler, opening the door for teams that previously believed they were out of the running.
"Jimmy Butler's going to get traded. I wasn't sure about that maybe seven to ten days ago. I am more sure than ever that that's going to happen. The Heat are trying to make it happen," Windhorst said on ESPN's First Take.
There are now more teams than ever capable of landing Jimmy Butler
The biggest roadblock in a Butler trade appears to be the Phoenix Suns, who are actively pursuing the Heat star but are struggling to offload Bradley Beal.
Beal’s contract, which pays him around $50 million annually and includes a no-trade clause, has made moving him nearly impossible. With Phoenix’s hopes of unloading Beal dwindling, the Milwaukee Bucks—along with other contenders—might see a clearer path to landing Butler.
A Butler-to-Milwaukee deal was once thought to be a long shot, especially given the Bucks’ limited assets. But if Miami is truly willing to lower its demands, Milwaukee has a real chance to put together a competitive offer. A trade centered around Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis could make sense, especially since Miami might prefer getting productive veterans over dealing with Beal’s contract situation.
Butler has only played in 25 games this season, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. However, his situation in Miami appears to be unraveling fast. The Heat have suspended him indefinitely, and all signs point to a breakup before the trade deadline.
The intent is clear for Milwaukee: shed an aging Khris Middleton and land another surefire superstar in hopes of winning another championship in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era. Middleton has clearly not been himself for quite a while, while Butler has always been more capable than most players of flipping the switch when it matters.
Jimmy Butler might just be the playoff riser the Bucks have needed
For the Bucks, Butler would add another elite two-way player who thrives in the postseason. Milwaukee’s biggest issue this season has been defense, and Butler remains one of the best wing defenders in the league. His chemistry with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo wouldn’t take long to develop either, given his ability to adapt and lead in high-pressure situations.
The challenge for the Bucks will be convincing Miami that their package is the best available. If the Heat are truly lowering their price, does that mean they’d accept a Middleton-Portis deal? And if they do, how would Butler’s arrival impact the team’s chemistry, particularly with Giannis Antetokounmpo?
One thing is certain: Milwaukee remains one of the most aggressive teams ahead of the trade deadline. If there’s any way to land Butler without completely gutting their depth, expect the Milwaukee Bucks to be in the mix until the final moments.
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