Report: Grizz Still Consider Jimmy Butler Trade Despite Him Not Wanting to Play There

The Miami Heat are running out of time to trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler prior to Thursday's deadline, so they reportedly could consider an offer from a team that's not on his list of preferred destinations.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Memphis Grizzlies have not given up on the idea of trading for Butler even though he's not interested in playing for them, stating that the team "continued weighing its own Butler trade pursuit even though it knows Butler doesn't want to play there."

While Butler may be hesitant to go to Memphis, there aren't many options remaining before the trade deadline. Fischer noted that the Dallas Mavericks, who recently traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, "are not pursuing Butler or [Kevin] Durant."

Still, the Mavs are expected to remain active before the deadline, and Fischer stated that this has caused "many league observers to suggest that a Butler deal, at this juncture, is as likely to involve the [Golden State] Warriors or the Milwaukee Bucks as the [Phoenix] Suns finally getting him."

Fischer added that "the upcoming rise in Grizzlies' upcoming payroll, including a lucrative contract extension looming for Jaren Jackson Jr., is at the heart of" their continued pursuit of Butler.

At 33-16, Memphis ranks second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (38-9). The Grizzlies lead the league with 123.4 points per game despite star point guard Ja Morant being limited to 28 games this season due to various injuries.

Adding Butler to the mix would undoubtedly put Memphis over the top as a title contender. His veteran experience and contributions on both ends of the floor would make him a perfect fit for the Grizzlies, who have been without veteran point guard Marcus Smart since Dec. 21.

It would be wise for Butler to open himself up to the idea of being traded to Memphis, as the team could present his best chance to compete for a championship this season.