The Milwaukee Bucks are making waves this season. Adding Damian Lillard to the team has turned them into serious title contenders. Pairing Dame with Giannis Antetokounmpo has created a powerhouse duo that’s hard to stop. But according to a former NBA star, the Bucks could use one more player to truly dominate: Jimmy Butler.

Butler, the Miami Heat’s standout, has always been laser-focused on winning. The Heat have struggled with consistency since their Finals run. Kendrick Perkins thinks it might be time for Butler to consider a move—and Milwaukee could be the perfect spot.

“Didn’t Jimmy want Dame as his teammate? Well, now Dame’s in Milwaukee. How about playing alongside Dame and Giannis? Jimmy would be the perfect piece for that team,” Perkins rightly pointed out. It’s an interesting idea, especially with the Bucks’ current situation.

Khris Middleton is still recovering from offseason double ankle surgery. He’s playing on limited minutes to ease his way back. Although the $70 million forward has had some strong games, Perkins isn’t sold. “We see how Middleton looks since coming back off injury. He doesn’t look good at all,” he bluntly stated.

For one, he missed 21 games at the start of the season thanks to surgeries. Since then, he’s managed to suit up for just 14 games, starting in seven. Unsurprisingly, Khris’s numbers don’t exactly jump off the page. In 23.5 minutes per game—the fewest since his rookie year—he’s putting up 12.2 points, his lowest scoring average since his second season.

Does that mean ‘Jimmy Buckets’ could be the final push Milwaukee needs to make another title run and vice versa? “If it’s all about winning for Jimmy Butler and competing for a title. … Team up with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two all-time greats,” ‘Big Perk’ suggested. And honestly, it makes sense.

Butler’s defense, leadership, and clutch performances could take the Bucks to another level. A lineup with Jimmy, Giannis, and Dame would be terrifying on both ends of the court. “They’re missing a guy like Jimmy Butler,” Perkins added.

Middleton’s situation only adds fuel to this idea. While he’s still valuable, injuries have taken their toll. His current form raises questions about whether he can remain the team’s third option in the playoffs.

Is a Jimmy Butler Trade Even Possible?

The thought of Butler joining the Bucks is exciting, but pulling it off would be tricky. Jimmy is a key piece for the Heat. For the Bucks to land him, they’d need to offer significant assets—think key players and future draft picks. Even if Miami considers a trade, there are financial challenges.

The Bucks are already over the luxury tax and salary cap aprons. Matching Butler’s salary in a trade would require moving big contracts. They’d likely need a third team to help with the finances and add extra draft picks. So, yeah, it’s complicated. But it’s still fun to imagine.

Imagine a lineup with Butler, Giannis, and Lillard. It’d be an unstoppable mix of scoring, defense, and leadership. For now, this is just a “what if” scenario. But as the season unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see if the Bucks make any bold moves.