Recent reports suggest that a trade of Butler to the Suns may now be much less probable due to new developments. Initially, Butler was expected to return to the Miami Heat lineup after serving a second suspension this season. However, the Heat have decided to suspend him indefinitely, likely with the intention of trading him before the NBA Trade Deadline on February 6. It’s expected that the suspension will last through the deadline, but the real uncertainty lies in whether the Heat will find a suitable trade deal for Butler.
It’s widely known that Butler ideally wants to be traded to the Suns, and the Suns have been one of the most aggressive teams in trying to acquire him. However, recent reports have dealt a significant blow to those plans. It turns out there is little market for Bradley Beal, whom the Suns would need to trade to facilitate a Butler deal. While there was hope that the Chicago Bulls might take Beal in a trade to help the Suns land Butler, it’s now reported that Beal is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause for the Bulls, complicating the situation further.
Currently, it’s hard to see how a trade for Butler to the Suns could happen. If Beal can’t find a team willing to take on his contract (and one he would approve via his no-trade clause), the Suns’ chances of making a move for Butler diminish. Even though reports suggest the Heat may have lowered their asking price, the idea of them taking on Beal’s contract still seems unlikely, unless Phoenix includes three future first-round picks in the deal. Even then, it’s unclear if the Heat would accept.
While there is still time for the Suns to resolve these issues, the path to acquiring Butler seems increasingly difficult. If Butler is traded, it may come down to another team making a last-minute offer before the deadline, potentially taking him away from the Suns. The situation is beginning to feel like it may unfold in that direction.
