The Phoenix Suns are an attractive trade destination. We know this. Kevin Durant forced his way here. As did Chris Paul. Bradley Beal? Yeah. He did too. Players want to be in Phoenix playing alongside Devin Booker.
Add Jimmy Butler to that list.
There’s not a lot going on in the NBA this week as that silly NBA Cup has created an awkward break in scheduling for the majority of the league. This is the time where speculation begins, and with the December 15 date looming when the majority of the league becomes available for trade, the rumors begin. Atop that list of rumors? Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler who was provide a list of teams he’d like to be traded to.
Yesterday we learned that the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors were atop his list of destinations. Sure, the news prompted me to write an article exploring the possibility of acquiring him. But I assumed that it was all a moot point due to the apron and the fact that Jimmy wanted to go elsewhere.
It appears that Jimmy has added a team to his list. A team that wears purple and orange. A team that could use the services of somebody who has highly touted playoff résumé, a chip on his shoulder, and an edge to the way he plays. That team is the Phoenix Suns.
The Phoenix Suns are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open to as a destination while Miami listens to trade offers, sources tell ESPN, joining Dallas, Houston and Golden State. pic.twitter.com/QCXA2uEMXt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2024
After writing my article yesterday, I started playing around with the trade machine, realizing that you need to have a third team involved that isn’t an apron team to facilitate the trade. It’s kind of like the Charlotte Hornets, the New York Knicks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who pulled off a trade that involved Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle prior to the start of the season.
I mentioned earlier this week that Bradley should be traded to the Bulls. I mentioned that Bradley Beal should be traded for Jimmy Butler. I married the two ideas and came up with something that is mostly beneficial for all teams involved.
Yeah, I know. It’s a pipe dream. All of the other teams Jimmy mentioned have much better assets to dish. Why would the Bulls want Beal’s contract? The value will be really hard to find. But when you start to factor in big personalities, miracles can happen. Just look at the Suns’ current roster.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and see what unfolds.