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[Saba Sports News] Jimmy Butler may now be attempting to steer his trade talks in a specific direction.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Tuesday that executives believe the disgruntled Miami Heat star has made it “pretty obvious” he has one preferred trade destination: the Phoenix Suns.
Currently serving a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, Butler has been linked to the Suns in trade rumors for weeks. Phoenix, sitting at 16-18 (12th in the West), is in need of a shake-up.
The Suns present an attractive scenario for Butler, offering a chance to contend alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, a warm-weather West Coast setting, and a proactive owner in Mat Ishbia who’s willing to spend.
However, pulling off a trade would be complex. The Heat would likely need to take on Suns guard Bradley Beal’s contract, widely regarded as one of the worst in the NBA.
Miami has so far resisted that idea, meaning Phoenix may need a third team willing to absorb Beal’s deal—and Beal, armed with a full no-trade clause, would also have to approve the move.
The Heat hold significant leverage in the situation. Butler’s hopes of landing with a contender and securing a lucrative deal require Miami’s cooperation, whether through a trade in the coming weeks or a sign-and-trade in the summer.
Even if Butler leaves as a free agent, Miami would open up substantial cap space to target other top players.
Still, the 35-year-old Butler wields some power with his $52.4 million player option for next season. He can discourage trade suitors he doesn’t favor by threatening to walk in the offseason, as he reportedly has already done with certain teams.
It appears Butler is laser-focused on joining the Suns, but whether Miami facilitates such a move remains to be seen.