The Grizzlies snapped their two-game losing streak with a victory over the Dallas Mavericks last night amid the Jimmy Butler trade chatter. After the Grizzlies' DraftKings Sportsbooks odds raised from +300 to +180 this morning, Chris Haynes reported that the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a couple of other teams, were notified that Jimmy Butler is not interested in being traded there.
According to @DKSportsbook’s latest odds update, the Grizzlies are even heavier favorites to acquire Jimmy Butler:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 7, 2025
Grizzlies = +180
Suns = +300
Heat = +400
Since the weekend, Memphis’ odds have moved all the way from +3000 to now close to even money in the Butler derby. pic.twitter.com/kY002kIt2b
The Memphis Grizzlies were specifically name-dropped while the other teams weren't, signaling that they should move on from their pursuit of the Heat's star. The Phoenix Suns appear to be the most aggressive suitor and is a team that was originally named in his list of destinations.
Sources: A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/200eV8gjxk
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2025
While this news is deflating for the Grizzlies, they still have another trade target that they have been rumored to be going after in Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. Also, the Grizzlies still have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA and have yet to play a game with their full complimentary players this season.
However, reinforcements might be on the way as second-year forward GG Jackson was assigned to practice with the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, almost immediately after the Jimmy Butler news dropped. Coach Taylor Jenkins also said in the Grizzlies pregame yesterday that Ja Morant's return to the court will be on the shorter term rather than the longer term of his week-to-week diagnostic of his AC Joint Sprain.
The @memgrizz have assigned GG Jackson II to the @MemphisHustle for the Hustle’s practice today.
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 7, 2025
Jackson II will be recalled to the Grizzlies following practice.
What the Jimmy Butler news means for the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies were never considered an expected suitor for Jimmy Butler until this weekend. Therefore, they just go back to the drawing board of players they were expected to pursue if they were available. The Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson becomes priority number one for the Grizzlies on the trade market now after striking out on Dorian Finney-Smith and Jimmy Butler.
Technically, the Grizzlies could still make a move for Butler, but his shaky history as a malcontent, along with them not being a preferred destination puts an end to that potential deal. As the Grizzlies get healthier and remain in the top half of the Western Conference standings they have a unique situation.
They can remain as is with their deep rotation of guys that, when healthy, are considered one of the NBA's best teams and likely title contenders. Also, they can complete their pursuit of a veteran 3 and D wing to solidify their standing as title contenders. Either way, the Grizzlies are in a promising position regardless of the circumstances of how Jimmy Butler feels about a trade to Memphis.