The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have emerged as the top teams on Jimmy Butler’s list of preferred destinations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“I’m told the Suns and the Warriors are believed to be atop (Butler’s) list of preferred, win-now destinations if the Miami Heat were to trade him,” Charania reported on NBA Countdown Tuesday ahead of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Charania reported — and doubled down after Butler’s agent denied reports — last week that the Suns joined the Warriors, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks as teams connected to the 35-year-old star in trade talks. The NBA insider further noted that Butler and the Suns “share mutual interest” just under two months ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The latest reporting surrounding Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat on NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/w8TpCuQ7jd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 17, 2024
What does this mean for the Suns?
Well, all it really means is that Phoenix has another route to move on from Bradley Beal’s contract and no-trade clause (should he approve a trade to Miami), giving the front office more long-term flexibility. Beal has two more years (one being a $57 million player option in 2026-27) left on his current contract after this season. The Suns took on his contract and withstanding no-trade clause when they traded for the three-time All-Star last season.
Would Butler be an upgrade over Beal? Sure, but the prospect of facilitating a trade involving the two can prove to be extremely difficult. Not only do the Suns have to worry about Beal approving the trade first and foremost, but both teams would have to operate under new CBA tax apron rules and not be able to take more money than they send out in a trade.
Considering that Beal’s contract is worth $50.2 million and Butler’s is worth $48.8 million, more pieces would have to be added to the trade.
Here’s what that trade would look like according to Spotrac:
Phoenix Suns Receive:
- Jimmy Butler ($48,798,677)
- Josh Richardson ($3,051,153)Â via Minimum Salary
Miami Heat Receive:
- Bradley Beal ($50,203,930)
As the Butler story unfolds, it is evident that the Suns remain a key figure in the conversation. Should a trade happen, Phoenix — if healthy — should be considered even more of a contender than they already are.
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Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenosports, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
