Let's make a case for why Jimmy Butler should want a trade to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are currently third in the Western Conference standings with a 29-15 record and have consistently been ranked in the NBA's top five Power Rankings since mid-December. They have a superstar point guard, an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year power forward, and an All-Star performing-level shooting guard.
They have a rotation of young wings and players that can match up with any nearly team when healthy and can provide Butler with his best chance at a championship this season. The collection of talent the Grizzlies have is better than what he has had to work with throughout his tenure with the Miami Heat, which includes two NBA Finals appearances.
All of this should intrigue a 35-year-old whose career is on the decline, right? Well, another bombshell dropped yesterday with ESPN's Marc Spears announcing that he was told that Jimmy Butler's wish is to get out of Miami and finish his career wherever he's traded, except Memphis.
Marc Spears on the Jimmy Butler saga:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 23, 2025
"I was told today from someone close to the situation that his wish list is just out of Miami, with the exception to Memphis. But he does wanna finish his career wherever he goes" pic.twitter.com/JFv1lsEfW8
This news comes a little less than a month after NBA Senior Insider Chris Haynes mentioned that sources told him the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a few other teams were notified that Jimmy Butler is not interested in a trade there. So, if a clear championship contender keeps being singled out, what is the deal with Jimmy's reluctance?
Money, Money, Money
Make no mistake about it, Jimmy Butler made it clear that he wanted a trade to the Phoenix Suns at the time Chris Haynes dropped his bombshell. The Phoenix Suns, although currently 10th in the West standings, would be clear title contenders with a core of Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, and Kevin Durant.
There were also reports that the Phoenix Suns would offer the extension that Jimmy Butler is seeking for likely his last big payday for his career. The Memphis Grizzlies have a huge extension coming up with Jaren Jackson Jr. and potentially retaining pending restricted free agent Santi Aldama if he isn't traded.
Also, the reason Memphis is singled out could mean that the team is definitely inquiring about trading for him as other teams who aren't contenders are not. You can't name-drop teams that aren't in the running anyway, right?
The fact of the matter is that the Grizzlies likely would welcome Jimmy Butler to play out this season, and if he opts into his $52M player option this summer so be it. However, the extension he is seeking likely won't happen in Memphis.
His odds of winning a championship would be higher with the Grizzlies but securing the bag long-term while playing for a fringe contender seems to be the higher priority for Jimmy Butler at this time.