As the Miami Heat listen to trade offers for Jimmy Butler, the Phoenix Suns have remained the team most motivated to get a deal done. The issue is that they, more than any other potential destination, have the most limitations in making a move.
However, Phoenix’s latest lineup decision could mark a step aimed at facilitating a deal for Butler.
The Suns are benching high-priced guard Bradley Beal, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who reported the decision on Sunday night. The Suns are also moving center Jusuf Nurkis out of the starting lineup. It’s a surprising move by the Suns, who traded Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards in 2023 to add Beal to a big three of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Sources: In midst of 4-game losing streak and tension in locker room, Phoenix expected to make drastic change by removing Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic from starting lineup beginning Monday at Philadelphia. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/utz0FNLppB
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 6, 2025
The deal was criticized then and hasn’t worked out. Beal is posting his lowest points per game (17.8) and assists (3.7) in 10 seasons. The Suns have lost four in a row, have a record of 15-18, and have sunk to 12th in the West.
The Suns could be trying to convince Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause.
It’s difficult for the Suns to trade for Butler. The Suns are above the second apron and cannot take back more salary, or aggregate salary, in a trade. That means they can only trade a single player making more than Butler’s $48.7 million this season. That includes Durant ($51.1 million), Beal ($50.2 million) and Booker ($49.2 million). It seems unlikely that the Suns would trade better and/or younger players in Durant or Booker for Butler. That leaves Beal.
Adding a further complication, Beal has a no-trade clause that he would have to waive in order to get traded.
The Heat have no interest in acquiring Beal and his contract. Beal is 31, owed $110 million over the next two seasons, and could retain his no-trade clause after a deal. By benching Beal, the Suns could be trying to convince Beal to willingly play elsewhere.
Any Butler for Beal trade would require a third team taking on Beal’s contract while sending other assets to Miami. The Heat are prioritizing cap flexibility in a deal, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Finding a third team that would be willing to add Beal – and also send Miami short-term contracts – is difficult. While the Suns appear motivated to land Butler, it still seems like a longshot.