Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Jimmy Butler is eager to leave the Miami Heat, but there’s reportedly one team he refuses to join.
During an appearance on ESPN’s *NBA Today* Thursday, Marc J. Spears shared that Butler’s trade wishlist includes any team except the Memphis Grizzlies.
“I was told today by someone close to the situation that his wishlist is just ‘out of Miami,’ with the exception (of) Memphis. He doesn’t want to go to Memphis,” Spears said.
While the Grizzlies were once considered a frontrunner to trade for Butler, this isn’t the first time rumors have surfaced about his disinterest in heading to Memphis. Still, it’s unusual for a player to single out one specific franchise so explicitly.
Although Butler lacks a no-trade clause and cannot block a move to the Grizzlies or any other team, his status as a pending free agent gives him leverage. He could signal that he wouldn’t re-sign with Memphis, potentially discouraging the team from pursuing a deal.
For now, Butler and the Heat remain at odds, with the star forward demanding a trade and facing his second team-imposed suspension amid the standoff. Whether his desire to avoid Memphis complicates trade talks remains to be seen.