Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania said on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” on Wednesday that the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are Butler’s top trade destinations. Charania also added while the six-time All-Star has not formally requested a trade, he is expecting an exit from the Heat.
Reporting for NBA Countdown on the line drawn in the sand: Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami, with two teams at the top of his desired destinations – and how we got here: pic.twitter.com/FLstMhPo3P
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 25, 2024
Charania first reported on Dec. 11 that Butler was interested in a trade to Phoenix Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro also confirming Butler’s interest in the Suns.
Butler is on an expiring $48.8 million salary with a $52.4 player option for next year when he will play at 36 years old. Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season.
How could the Suns acquire Butler from the Heat?
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The Suns would need to move off of guard Bradley Beal’s contract to pursue Butler if they were interested, and Beal would also have to lift a no-trade clause in his contract.
Because the Suns are a second apron team, they cannot aggregate salaries in a deal for Butler.
Gambadoro confirmed, as did Spotrac.com’s Keith Smith, Phoenix and Miami could work out a two-team trade if the Heat also include a veteran’s minimum contract going to the Suns.
The Heat cannot do a one-for-one trade because it would push them into the second-apron.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks joined Arizona Sports’ Bickley and Marotta Show on Dec. 19 and said a straight trade of Butler and extra salary to the Suns for Beal doesn’t look realistic.
“If it’s involving just the two teams, it’s just not happening,” Marks said. “I mean, I never want to put in a 100% ‘no’ just because of the world we live in, but I don’t see a world where it would make sense for the Miami Heat to take back the $110 million owed to Bradley Beal after this year. (Beal’s) no-trade clause, for me, is not a factor at all this year.”
The Suns (14-14) have lost their last three games and are currently 11th in the Western Conference.
Phoenix is dealing with multiple injuries, including guard Devin Booker who is out with a left groin strain. The Suns have also seen Beal and forward Kevin Durant miss time due to injuries.
The Suns take on the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday Night at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. and can be listened to on 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or online.
from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/2AOfEvF
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