Gilbert Arenas: ‘If we’re talking about the guy who cooked the best meal with the least amount of ingredients, it’s Jimmy Butler’

Gilbert Arenas: Yeah, so I think Pat hasn’t updated his software. I think he still believes it’s the 1980s or 1990s, where money controls the players. Back then, you needed that million dollars, so you did whatever the team told you. That’s how those Knicks teams operated—players had less control. You thought you were signing up for South Beach, but nah—you just got sentenced to a five-to-ten-year bid. ‘Here, put your handcuffs on. Forget the beach—you just got fooled.’ It’s like Loki casting an illusion: they sold you one thing over the phone, and when you arrive, you realize—nah, this is prison. -via YouTube / January 30, 2025

Gilbert Arenas: You have this incredible selling point. Like, LA—its selling point is Hollywood. Whatever money you might lose in taxes or contract negotiations, you can make it back in endorsements. That’s how the Lakers and Clippers pitch it: ‘Okay, you lose $20 million here, but we’ve got movies, actors, sponsorship deals—you’ll make it back in endorsements.’ Miami’s got the beach, the weather, the women. You mean to tell me you can’t sell that to 19-to-30-year-olds? Are you kidding me? Instead, it feels like as soon as you get off the plane, you’re handcuffed. Like, you tricked me! -via YouTube / January 30, 2025

Jorge Sierra: Giannis Antetokounmpo has passed John Stockton in scoring for No. 52 all-time. Also: Dennis Schroeder moved ahead of GILBERT ARENAS for No. 318. -via Bluesky / January 29, 2025

Dru: “The two teams [Butler] has basically been communicating that he didn’t want to go to were Memphis & Sacramento. But a lot has been changing these last couple of weeks. Has Jimmy Butler’s mindset changed? Has Memphis’ approach changed? That’s a team I would watch.” @SIChrisMannix -via x.com / January 29, 2025

According to an NBA source familiar with the situation, multiple teams have been working on potential trade constructs that would work either in the moment or ahead of next Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline. While indications until this latest suspension had been of a singular preferred landing spot of the Phoenix Suns by Butler, in part because of the belief the Suns would be willing to offer a maximum extension upon acquisition, several other trade partners at least now appear to be in the discussion. Included in that group are the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies. In addition, a party familiar with the process said that several other teams appear willing to work as potential conduits, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, with the Philadelphia 76ers also possibly part of such machinations. -via South Florida Sun-Sentinel / January 29, 2025

He has spoken to Butler away from the court, no matter Butler’s status with the Heat. When Butler was first suspended early in the month, Jović likened Butler’s frankness to that of his parents because of his honesty. “I’m happy that he’s real with me because, since I came here, not a lot of people are really real with you,” Jović told The Athletic on Monday. “Everybody wanna tap you on the shoulder, tell you that everything is going good, even though maybe things are not. -via New York Times / January 29, 2025