Jimmy Butler-Nets

Brian Lewis of the New York Post on Jimmy Butler:

"A source close to Butler said, '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.'

Does that mean Butler's first choice is Brooklyn, but the only way he can get there is free agency? Or does that mean IF Butler becomes a free agent, his first choice would be Brooklyn?

The Nets re-acquired their own first-round pick to tank this season. They're not trading for Butler.

But they project to have about $57 million of cap space next summer. While a 35-year-old Butler might not be their first choice, they could try to blend youth with the savvy veteran and return to competitiveness quickly.

From Butler's perspective, Brooklyn is the only team that projects to have max cap space next summer. It improves his leverage – for a trade, extension or new contract in free agency – to be linked to the Nets. They don't fit the championship-contender profile of the other teams he's reportedly interested in.

I'd be very surprised if Butler's very first choice among the 30 NBA teams is Brooklyn. But if he becomes a free agent, he might have no other option to earn top dollar (if the Nets are actually interested in him).

So, it behooves Butler to have his interest in Brooklyn known, genuine or not.

Jimmy Butler-Heat

Jimmy Butler hasn't asked for a trade and the Heat aren't aggressively shopping him, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports in an article that quote's Butler's agent, Bernie Lee.

Seems like someone is trying to lower the temperature around Butler trade rumors, even as Butler himself stokes the flames by explicitly no longer saying he wants to finish his NBA career with Miami.

What constitutes aggressive shopping is in the eye of the beholder. But there appears to be an increase in Butler trade talks. His continued production, age and ability to become a free agent next summer and Miami's mediocrity and reluctance to extend him all point to a trade at least maybe being logical – whether or not Butler wants out, whether or not the Heat are shopping him.

Until Miami decides to make Butler unavailable, actually trades him or the trade deadline passes, this will remain a story to watch.

Jimmy Butler-Suns

Jimmy Butler is open to joining the Heat along with the Mavericks, Rockets and Warriors, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Phoenix can't aggregate salaries without drastically and implausibly trimming payroll. The only Suns making as much as Butler are Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Phoenix isn't trading Booker or Durant for Butler. Beal still has a no-trade clause.

But Beal initially wanted to join the Heat when getting traded from Washington. Would he still prefer Miami (without Butler) to Phoenix? Would the Heat be interested in trading Butler for Beal? Beal is four years younger than Butler, but Beal isn't as good and has a year longer on his contract (for $57 million).

Plus, Miami has its own hard-cap complications, though those could be overcome.

I doubt a trade of this magnitude happens. But it's more plausible than it seemed at first blush.

Bernie Lee

Jimmy Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, called Shams Charania's reporting that Lee has indicated in league circles Butler is open to Houston, Dallas, Golden State and Phoenix "complete and utter made up bullshit" and "fabricated": "I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said 'journalist.'"

Charania reiterated he stands by his reporting, which is fully vetted and accurate.

Lee has long-running disdain for Charania. An agent's role is to serve the client, not tell the truth.

I also don't see the harm in Lee telling people which teams Butler would prefer if traded. The Heat truly seem to be at least open to moving Butler. Butler doesn't want to try to steer himself to a desired destination and have his agent act on his behalf to do that?

Trae Young

Trae Young celebrated the Hawks' win over the Knicks last night – which sent Atlanta to the NBA Cup final four in Las Vegas – by miming shooting dice and scooping up his winnings near center court of Madison Garden while the final seconds ticked off.

What a fun and clever celebration! I love how Young has embraced being a villain in New York, and I appreciate his creativity in wearing the black hat.

Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson on Trae Young's celebration, via Ian Begley of SNY:

“We should win the game if we don’t want him to do that.”

The exact right response.

A few people in Columbus, Ohio could take a lesson.

Atlanta Hawks

How have the Hawks beaten the Cavaliers (twice), Celtics, Knicks (twice) and Bucks yet lost to the Wizards (twice), Trail Blazers, Pistons, Bulls and Kings?

Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com posted an illuminating chart showing the degree to which injuries overlapped with the losses.

That's definitely a large part of the story. But in the only game Trae Young has missed this season, Atlanta beat the Celtics! There is something weird about the Hawks.

Rockets-Warriors

Most current Rockets weren't even in the NBA the last time Houston beat the Warriors before last night, nearly five years ago.

The Rockets ended the NBA's longest active losing streak by one team against another at 15 games with their thrilling victory (covered in greater depth by Nate and Danny on the pod).

The longest such active losing streak is now Trail Blazers to Thunder at 14 games. They next play Jan. 26. Given the state of those franchises, the streak could last much longer.

LeBron James

LeBron James is unlikely to play at Minnesota tomorrow, according to Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin of ESPN. In the story, the reporters noted LeBron missing the Lakers' win over the Trail Blazers on Sunday with foot soreness ahead of LeBron missing practice yesterday due to personal reasons, writing: "Because of the NBA Cup, the Lakers are able to take a prudent approach with the schedule to allow James to recalibrate and recharge his body."

It's really tough to tell where LeBron's foot injury ends and where his personal reasons begin.

Dalton Knecht

Interesting article from Zach Kram of The Ringer focusing on Dalton Knecht – but really on whether older rookies peak early and have less upside.

Every time an older player exceeds his draft slot, people criticize NBA teams for missing the obvious talent right in front of them while chasing upside. But that ignores how often older players bust and whether the immediate hits progress like their younger peers.

Knecht is helping the Lakers right now. But it's too soon to judge his career, and predicting his long-term value is complicated.

-Dan Feldman