The Milwaukee Bucks have rebounded well after a disappointing start to the season, but they’re still pretty far away from getting one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.
At 18-16, the Bucks are the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, so they understandably might go big-name shopping at the NBA trade deadline. One possible name is Jimmy Butler, but that might not be in the cards.
After John Gombadoro reported that the Bucks were among the teams discussing a trade for Butler, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that “(There’s a) lot of rumblings that the Milwaukee Bucks have also been informed not to trade for Jimmy Butler.”
A trade for Butler would have been tricky because the Bucks and Heat are Eastern Conference rivals, and the Bucks have crossed the NBA’s second tax apron.
Knowing their aspirations, trading for Butler would have been intriguing for the Bucks, but he will dictate his next NBA stop.
Butler is being picky about his next team
Chris Haynes reported that the Memphis Grizzlies – another team Gombadoro reported as a Butler suitor – have been informed that Butler does not want to join them either.
With O’Connor’s and Hayes’ intel out in the open, it’s clear that Butler has a preference that he’s sticking to. He would have helped either of those teams immensely, but clearly wants to do things his way.
With Butler not an option, the Bucks could consider a lesser star like Bradley Beal as a trade target. He appears to be very available but also has a no-trade clause.
Another way they could do something is to participate in a multi-team trade for Butler. While they may not get him, they could get someone like Beal in the process.
Because there’s a month left before the trade deadline, a lot can change over the next several weeks.
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