The Phoenix Suns are still the team most eager to close a deal as the Miami Heat consider trade offers for Jimmy Butler. The problem is that they have more restrictions on how they can move than any other possible destination. But Phoenix’s most recent lineup choice might be an attempt to help Butler get a deal.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who broke the news on Sunday night, the Suns are benching expensive guard Bradley Beal. Jusuf Nurkis, a center, will also no longer be starting for the Suns. The Suns made the unexpected move to add Beal to their big three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul, who they moved to the Washington Wizards in 2023.
The transaction hasn’t worked out and was criticized back then. Beal is recording his lowest assists (3.7) and points per game (17.8) in ten seasons. With a record of 15–18 and four straight losses, the Suns have fallen to 12th place in the Western Conference. Bradley Beal may be being persuaded to waive his no-trade clause by the Suns. The Suns have a hard time making a trade for Butler. Since the Suns are over the second apron, they are unable to recoup more compensation in a deal.
Accordingly, they are only able to trade one player this season who earns more than Butler’s $48.7 million. Among them are Booker ($49.2 million), Beal ($50.2 million), and Durant ($51.1 million). It doesn’t seem plausible that the Suns would deal Butler for Durant or Booker, two younger and/or better players. Beal is left. Beal’s no-trade clause, which he would have to waive in order to be transferred, adds even more complexity.
Beal and his contract are of no interest to the Heat. After a contract, Beal, 31, who owes $110 million over the next two seasons, may keep his no-trade clause. The Suns may be attempting to persuade Beal to play somewhere else by benching him. A third team would have to take on Beal’s salary in exchange for other assets being sent to Miami in any Butler for Beal swap. NBA source Marc Stein claims that the Heat are giving cap flexibility a priority in a deal. It is challenging to find a third team that is both willing to send Miami short-term contracts and add Beal. Even if the Suns seem driven to sign Butler, it still seems unlikely.
