Report: Jimmy Butler Doesn’t Want To Get Traded To Grizzlies

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jimmy Butler doesn’t want to get traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Butler has requested a trade from the Miami Heat and the Grizzlies have spoken to the Heat about a Butler trade. 

Since Butler doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, he can’t control his trade request.

However, Butler has a player option for next season, so he can become a free agent after this season. 

The Grizzlies won’t want to give up assets for a player who will leave in the summer, so we can likely rule out Butler going to Memphis. 

Butler has a $52 million player option for next season. He’s making $48.8 million this season.

The last time Butler spoke to the media before getting suspended by the Heat, he said this: “I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win, and right now I’m not doing it.”

When asked if he can get his joy back on the court with the Heat, Butler responded: “Probably not.”

One of the top players in the NBA, Butler has played for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks and has made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive Teams. 

The Phoenix Suns are interested in acquiring Butler. Suns guard Bradley Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause for Butler to land in Phoenix and the Heat and Suns would have to find a third team to take on Beal since Miami has no interest in acquiring him. 

Beal is making $50.2 million this season.