Jimmy Butler has taken part in two games for the Heat since the end of his seven-game suspension imposed by the team last week. However, the franchise remains active in exploring a potential trade involving the dissatisfied star. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted during the most recent episode of his Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link) that Miami has recently doubled down on its efforts to secure a deal.
With over two weeks left before the trade deadline on February 6, the Heat are seeking resolutions, and reports indicate that numerous teams are interested in potentially acting as facilitators in a multi-team transaction.
However, trading Butler presents challenges, as has been widely discussed in recent weeks. His salary ($48.8 million), contract structure (he has a $52.4 million player option for next season and reportedly wants an extension), and age (35) complicate matters. Many teams believed to have a strong interest in the seasoned forward, including the Suns, face limitations regarding their capacity to offer the types of assets that Miami wishes to acquire, such as win-now players with short-term contracts.
A potential deal between the Suns and Butler would likely necessitate the involvement of guard Bradley Beal, who has a larger cap hit than Butler and is contracted for two additional seasons—something that doesn’t align with Miami’s goals. Consequently, both parties would need to find a third team willing to take on Beal, who would also need to consent to the trade because of the no-trade clause in his contract.
As mentioned by Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Suns have not yet approached Beal about any potential trade. Nevertheless, a source familiar with Beal’s situation has confirmed to Katz that the three-time All-Star might be open to waiving his no-trade clause for the right opportunity, reiterating that his main priority would be winning in such a scenario.
When Beal was traded from the Wizards to the Suns in 2023, he expressed interest in the Heat, as well as several West Coast teams including the Warriors, Kings, Lakers, and Clippers, according to Katz. However, at this moment, none of those teams seem to be feasible options.
Image Source: Jimmy Butler @ Instagram
