It seems the Miami Heat are still working to find a suitable trade destination for Jimmy Butler, and it may require multiple teams if the Phoenix Suns are his preferred choice. However, for that to happen, Bradley Beal would need to waive his no-trade clause. Reports last week suggested the Suns hadn’t yet discussed this with Beal.
As the trade deadline nears, other teams are trying to get involved in the Butler trade, and the Chicago Bulls are reportedly among them, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“They are absolutely involved in conversations with the Suns involving a possible Jimmy Butler [trade] — not that Jimmy Butler would end up in Chicago… We are talking about Bradley Beal,” Windhorst said. “The Bulls and the Suns have talked about the concept of Bradley Beal ending up in Chicago. I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, I’m not saying it’s close. Obviously, Beal has a no-trade clause.”
The Heat have expressed they do not want Beal, which is why multiple teams may need to be involved. If Beal does end up in Chicago, it likely means Zach LaVine would be moving elsewhere as well.
Bulls Want in on the Jimmy Butler Trade
Earlier last week, rumors surfaced suggesting the Suns were considering a swap between Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal, as reported by Marc Stein.
“In LaVine’s case, sources say, he has not been pushing to be moved,” Stein wrote. “Yet that, to be clear, won’t necessarily insulate LaVine from being dealt if an offer Chicago likes surfaces in the next 13 days. Sources say Phoenix, to name one example, could emerge with interest in exploring a swap of Bradley Beal for LaVine, sources said, depending on how the rest of the trade landscape develops in the coming weeks.”
LaVine is having a solid season for the Bulls, but despite being in trade discussions since the start of the year, he doesn’t seek a move. On the other hand, the Bulls appear to be in rebuilding mode, with LaVine and Nikola Vucevic potentially being the first players on the move.
For Butler to land in Phoenix, several pieces will need to be moved, with Beal’s situation being key. If Beal refuses to waive his no-trade clause, Butler’s future remains uncertain, and he may have to look for another team.
