Jimmy Butler’s next team odds indicate that the Phoenix Suns remain the favored choice for the six-time All-Star as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley recently asserted, “We are not trading Jimmy Butler,” emphasizing the team’s commitment to keeping the star player in Miami.
However, the situation seems to have shifted since that declaration.
As of January 13, DraftKings Sportsbook has released odds for Butler’s potential next team following the February 6 trade deadline. Here’s a look at those odds:
Next Regular Season Minute Played After Trade Deadline to be for Which NBA Team?
Suns: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Heat: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Grizzlies: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Pelicans: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Recent reports suggest that Butler has expressed reluctance to re-sign with certain franchises, leading analysts to speculate that Phoenix is emerging as a likely destination.
Riley’s remarks came shortly after an ESPN report indicated that Butler desires a trade before the February deadline, with the Golden State Warriors and the Suns topping his list of preferred teams.
Since Riley’s statement, the relationship between Butler and the Heat seems to have deteriorated further.
This tension was evident during a recent postgame press conference when Butler was asked about his joy for the game in Miami.
“Probably not,” Butler candidly responded.
Following this exchange, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games and indicated they would consider trade offers for the disgruntled star.
During Butler’s suspension, the Heat have managed to secure a 3-2 record in their first five games.
This season, the 35-year-old Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. In his six years with the Heat, he has led the team to the NBA Finals twice, though they fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 season and the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 season.
Currently, the Heat are positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Suns sit at tenth in the Western Conference.
