Surprising team favored to land Jimmy Butler in trade

Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Miami Heat, and a surprising team is favored to be his next team.

DraftKings listed odds on Butler’s next team if he is traded, and they had the Memphis Grizzlies as the most likely team to pull off a deal. The Grizzlies were listed at +180 odds, which is well ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who were listed second at +300. They have Butler staying with the Heat as the third-likeliest scenario at +400.

Here are the odds:

Memphis Grizzlies: +180
Phoenix Suns: +300
Miami Heat: +400
New Orleans Pelicans: +500
Houston Rockets: +600
Golden State Warriors: +850
Milwaukee Bucks: +900
Sacramento Kings: +1600
Toronto Raptors: +25000

What’s so surprising is that Butler reportedly has told the Heat he does not want to go to the Grizzlies. The Phoenix Suns are said to be his preferred destination.

There is a potential roadblock in any efforts for Butler to end up with the Suns. Miami would have to take back Bradley Beal’s huge contract, which they might not be keen on doing. There has been some thought that the best outcome would be Butler remaining with the Heat for this season and then being dealt in the offseason in a sign-and-trade deal. That would require Butler’s cooperation though, and he doesn’t seem too interested in that for the time being.