Jimmy Butler, the dynamic star of the Miami Heat, has made it clear he wants out of Miami. However, one unexpected condition has emerged—he has no interest in joining the following teams. According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears on NBA Today, Butler’s trade preference is simply “anywhere but Memphis.”
“I was told today by someone close to the situation that his only request is to leave Miami, with the exception of one team. He does not want to go there… but he does want to finish his career wherever he ends up,” Spears reported.
Butler’s outright rejection of it as a landing spot is surprising, given the Grizzlies’ strong position in the Western Conference. Sitting at 29-15, they rank third in the standings despite injuries to key players. With Ja Morant leading the way alongside a talented young core featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, Memphis has proven to be a legitimate contender.
Moreover, the Grizzlies possess the necessary assets—draft picks and young talent—to assemble a compelling trade offer for Butler. A package involving Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and future first-round picks could be appealing to Miami. However, Butler’s firm stance against Memphis has sparked speculation about his reasoning.
One theory is that Butler’s refusal is a strategic move to steer trade discussions toward preferred destinations. With the Grizzlies being a team on the rise, some believe Butler may be trying to manipulate the situation to land in a city more aligned with his personal and competitive goals.
Alternatively, the decision could stem from a cultural or stylistic mismatch. Memphis prides itself on a gritty, team-first identity built around defense and effort. While Butler’s playing style fits that philosophy, his outspoken personality and preference for the spotlight might clash with Memphis’ smaller market atmosphere.
Amid Butler’s public rejection of the Grizzlies, rumors have surfaced that Heat president Pat Riley might consider trading him there out of spite. Known for his firm leadership, Riley has reportedly grown frustrated with Butler’s suspensions and trade demands. Some believe sending Butler to a team he explicitly rejected could serve as a statement about who ultimately holds the power.
For Miami, the Butler trade situation has become a major distraction. Head coach Erik Spoelstra and key players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are trying to focus on the season, but the ongoing drama continues to loom over the team. With the Heat currently sitting at 21-21 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, the franchise is at a pivotal moment. Butler’s departure seems inevitable, but the organization must handle the trade negotiations carefully to maximize their return.
In addition to ruling out Memphis, Butler has dropped clear hints about his preferred destination: the Phoenix Suns. During a recent game, he was seen wearing sneakers in the Suns’ “Valley” colors. Additionally, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported that Butler’s primary goal is to land in Phoenix, with all other options taking a backseat.
Since Butler has expressed a desire to finish his career at his next destination, any team considering a trade for him must factor in his long-term fit and contract expectations.
Read: Signaling a preference for specific destination.
His refusal to join Memphis underscores the complexities of NBA trades—beyond talent and competitiveness, player preferences and market appeal play significant roles. Whether Butler ultimately lands in a major market or a small-market contender, his trade saga will have ripple effects across the league.
