Jimmy Butler’s situation is complicated but one thing seems certain: He likes the prospect of playing in Brooklyn.
For those who believe that the Brooklyn Nets are no longer a top destination for stars and superstars, the camp of Jimmy Butler, six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, have something to tell you.
“Brooklyn is and would remain his first choice to the extent that he’s fine with playing out the year opting out and signing there as a free agent.” Brian Lewis quoted “a source close to Butler” on Thursday.
But as Lewis also noted, the Nets are in no rush to change their strategy of building organically through the Draft and the 35-year-old Butler, no matter how enamored he is of Brooklyn, doesn’t fit their timeline.
But after diving headfirst into a rebuild, Nets general manager Sean Marks isn’t believed to be interested in giving up assets he so assiduously collected.
NetsDaily can confirm the positions of both sides after speaking with league sources.
Butler, who earns $48 million this season and has a player option for $52 million next season, is in a complicated situation. If the Miami Heat think he’ll opt out, then they’re likely to move him — or at least try — before the trade deadline in February. A number of teams are reportedly sniffing around.
However, the new CBA is once again further complicating matters. His salary is so large and teams are so pressed by CBA sanctions on passing the cap, luxury tax thresholds, and now the aprons, that any trade would be difficult.
On Wednesday, for example, Shams Charania reported that the Phoenix Suns might be interesting leading to Butler’s agent taking to Twitter to deny and accuse Charania of engaging in “made-up bullshit.”
Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bullshit because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge.. (continued) https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
In addition, Charania’s ESPN colleague, Bobby Marks, in a near simultaneous tweet, essentially said such a trade would be near impossible…
Phoenix is a second apron team and not allowed to combine salaries in any trade.
68% of their salary is comprised of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Beal has a no trade clause. https://t.co/AAhKYc2lzQ
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 11, 2024
Finally on Thursday, Keith Smith of Spotrac detailed the “incredible complexity” of any Butler deal and detailed just why he thinks that Butler and the Heat are headed for a divorce.
For the Nets to even consider Butler — and there’s no indication they are — money would be a big issue, particularly for a 35-year-old with a growing list of injuries. He’d have to take a huge, indeed unprecedented, pay cut although Butler has hinted that money is not as big an issue for him compared to being comfortable in a destination.
Asked Wednesday if he still felt that money doesn’t matter — a position he took earlier in the season, here’s what he had to say, as Lewis reports.
“Not really,” Butler insisted. “My kids matter. My happiness matters. My well-being matters, and my family matters. Right now, it’s all about staying healthy and playing basketball. I think I’ve done that so far, so let’s see what happens.”
Staying healthy is of course a matter. He hasn’t played more than 64 games since joining the Heat six years ago. He’s missed five games out of 22 so far this season. That said, he remains Jimmy Butler, averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals on 56/36/79 shooting splits. Not to mention what he has done in the post-season.
Why Brooklyn? Butler has faith in the Nets ownership and management and playing in New York, where business opportunities abound, will always have a lure. For Butler and presumably other players, particularly veterans. it’s the big stage.
Lewis also quotes a league source on how the NBA views the Nets current position, both with regard to their ability to tank and their future, as if to emphasize there’s been no change in plans, at least in the short term.
“The way the Brooklyn season is panning out and with how truly awful the bottom of the league is, Brooklyn would have to play their G League team to catch them at the bottom,” the source said of the team’s Draft prospects. “Which they very well might do to end the season but they will still not end up at the bottom.
“Their reset will be around signing a max free agent and draft picks,” the source told Lewis. “They for sure won’t tank multiple years. It’s going to be a one-year reset.”
- Where Nets stand as Jimmy Butler trade rumors continue to swirl – Brian Lewis – New York Post