As the February 6 NBA trade deadline approaches, the tension between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat continues to build. Butler has demanded a trade, and the Heat are actively seeking a team t take on the six-time All-Star. While several teams have shown interest, the Phoenix Suns have been the most frequently mentioned.
Butler has reportedly expressed a preference for joining the Suns, hoping to team up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, this would make Bradley Beal the odd man out, and for the Suns to acquire Butler, they must find a team willing to absorb Beal’s large contract. Additionally, Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning the Suns would need to find a team that he is willing to join, which has proven difficult. The Heat have shown no interest in taking on Beal, making a potential Butler-to-Phoenix trade increasingly unlikely.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, there are now rumors suggesting that the Suns may be backing away from trade talks with the Heat. This is significant, as Phoenix had been the most aggressive team in pursuing Butler. Without a third team to facilitate the deal and take on Beal’s contract, it seems the Suns’ big three will likely remain intact after the deadline.
For the Heat, this is also a critical development. If Phoenix is no longer a viable trade partner, they will need to find another team for Butler, which could be challenging. Butler has reportedly informed some teams that he does not want to be traded to them unless he can secure an extension, meaning the Heat might struggle to find interested suitors if they don’t adjust their asking price. Consequently, it seems less likely that Butler will end up in Phoenix afterall.
