Report: Bucks Putting Together Trade Offer to Heat for Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is back in the Miami Heat's lineup on Friday night. But that doesn't mean that the team isn't still trying to trade the disgruntled superstar.

The latest rumors have the Milwaukee Bucks trying to get a deal done, and offering Khris Middleton in a return.

The Milwaukee Bucks remain interested in Jimmy Butler and are reportedly willing to trade Khris Middleton to acquire him, per @BrettSiegelNBA

“Amid rumors surrounding Butler and the Bucks possibly emerging as the main dark horse to land him in a trade deadline blockbuster, the… pic.twitter.com/jmJW1VjkR9
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 17, 2025

This rumor was posited by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points. He cites the Bucks' ability to "lurk in the shadows" and pounce when they can, as they did with Damian Lillard when he became available from Portland a couple of summers back.

The good news for Milwaukee, writes Siegel, is that the Bucks have not been informed that Butler won't accept a trade to them, as he has done with other teams.

“Amid rumors surrounding Butler and the Bucks possibly emerging as the main dark horse to land him in a trade deadline blockbuster, the one thing that everyone needs to be aware of is that Milwaukee is a second (tax) apron team," adds Siegel.

This means that the Bucks' first move would have to be sending out Pat Connaughton and his $9.4 million contract. Then, they'd have to package Khris Middleton with Brook Lopez, OR Middleton with Bobby Portis and another player to match salaries with Butler's $48.7 million.

They'd be sacrificing some important depth, but going into the playoffs with Gianni Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Butler would be a fearsome threesome.