The Phoenix Suns are looking to strengthen their roster ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, with Jimmy Butler being a key target. However, making that deal happen is far from simple. The Suns would need Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause and would likely have to give up all their remaining draft capital. Owner Mat Ishbia has never been shy about making bold moves, even at the potential cost of the franchise’s future, but this one could bring serious risks.
Butler’s history adds to the concerns. He has already been suspended three times this season with the Miami Heat and has a reputation for friction with teams. The six-time All-Star forced his way out of Chicago and Minnesota, and the Philadelphia 76ers moved on from him after just 55 games. While he played a crucial role in leading the Heat to two NBA Finals since 2020, his tenure has not been without controversy.
Things are already chaotic in Phoenix, and the Suns have a major weakness that Butler doesn’t address. If the situation becomes unstable, Butler could demand out just as quickly as he arrived. Instead of adding more risk, the Suns should focus on fixing a problem they know exists.
The Suns Need a Rim Protector More Than Another Star
By trading their 2031 first-round pick, the Suns created some flexibility to make moves despite being over the second tax apron, which severely limits their trade options. They recently acquired Nick Richards, who has made an immediate impact, helping Phoenix win four of their last five games. However, their Big 3—Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal—along with Tyus Jones, lack size when sharing the floor.
Phoenix’s biggest need is a true rim protector to anchor the defense. Richards has helped, but he is not an ideal fit as a starting center, having never played more than 26.3 minutes per game. The Suns could learn from the Dallas Mavericks, who transformed from a lottery team to an NBA Finals contender after adding Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. A center like Myles Turner or Brook Lopez could make a massive difference in their playoff push.
The Smart Move vs. the Flashy Move
Ishbia prefers splashy moves that make headlines, but those aggressive trades have put Phoenix in this position. Instead of chasing another star, the Suns need to prioritize fixing their interior defense.
Adding a starting-caliber center alongside Nick Richards would provide 48 minutes of solid production at the five. With Durant, Booker, and Jones leading the way offensively, Phoenix would become a much tougher playoff opponent—without sacrificing their future for another high-risk star.
Ishbia will likely chase another big name, but if the Suns want to be true contenders, they need to make the right move, not just the flashy one. Fans shouldn’t get their hopes up, but with the trade deadline looming, anything can happen.
