Out of all the teams in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, the Suns are reportedly the most willing to accommodate the Heat star. Even as the stand-off between Pat Riley and Butler continues, Phoenix is trashing around to find ways to get better, and their hopes now rest on the Miami star. However, their hopes may be in jeopardy as the only viable trading chip in their hands at the moment, Bradley Beal, isn’t ready to comply with any trade scenarios.
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The tricky thing for Phoenix at the moment is the no-trade clause in Beal’s contract giving the star guard all the control over a possible trade. In addition, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst has revealed Beal is far from lifting his no-trade clause for any deal. In a guest appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Windhorst provided details of the situation with the Suns. He said,
“There’s been no discussions, either with the Suns or with any other team about Bradley Beal waiving his no-trade clause. The reason that’s become an issue the last couple of days, the Heat said they were going to trade Jimmy Butler. The Suns are known to be interested, the only way to get him is to move Bradley Beal, which would take Beal’s cooperation. Right now that is not even a consideration.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 8, 2025
Despite originally stating that he would rather play for any team other than the Heat, all the signs point to Butler’s desire to play in Phoenix. The only obstacle standing in his way of that becoming a reality is Beal’s cooperation.
Beal’s focus remains on the Suns and turning their season around to snag a playoff berth. Phoenix has been underwhelming since acquiring Beal. The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and former Wizards guard played only 41 games together in the 2023-24 season and the Timberwolves eliminated them in four games despite being healthy for the playoffs.
This year has been no different. Injuries plagued them in the beginning and now nothing they do on the court is going their way. But, regardless of all the signs, Beal believes the Suns have what it takes to win a championship, which seems highly unlikely to Phoenix’s front office, especially without Butler.
Additionally, Windhorst shared more details regarding the situation that dampers any more hopes of the trade occurring.
Pat Riley doesn’t like the trade market
The Heat is an organization that won’t settle for something they don’t value. The way things stand, they aren’t content with the offers they’re receiving according to Windhorst. As a result, they may stand pat with Butler on the roster.
“I don’t think there’s any deal that they like,” Windhorst said. “I think the Heat are preparing for a future with Jimmy Butler back on the roster.”
Knowing the situation in Miami, teams are playing hardball with Pat Riley’s organization. They know the situation isn’t salvageable and only a trade could fix their conflict.
And although Pat Riley and the Heat may not want to exchange Butler for talent that isn’t comparable, they might have to. Butler is hellbent on leaving in free agency, which would mean the Heat would lose their All-NBA player for nothing. The Heat have some drastic decisions to make in the coming days.
