Jimmy Butler is expressing strong interest in joining the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. If the Miami Heat were to trade him, Butler believes the Suns would be his top choice.
Butler has posted pictures showing changes in his hair color, corresponding to the four teams he’s considering joining: Warriors (yellow), Mavericks (blue), Rockets (red), and Suns (orange). The Suns are not currently pursuing a trade for him but will reassess their roster in the next 10-15 games with a potentially healthy Kevin Durant.
To make a deal work, the Suns would need to move Bradley Beal’s contract off their books. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, including lifting Beal’s no-trade clause and navigating second-apron salary restrictions.
The Heat could include a veteran’s minimum contract in a two-team trade, but it’s unclear if they’d give up their first-round pick in 2031 to take on Beal’s massive contract. The financial implications make the deal look increasingly difficult.
Source: https://arizonasports.com/story/3567324/jimmy-butler-interested-suns-trade