Every possible permutation of a Jimmy Butler trade to the Phoenix Suns involves Bradley Beal. This isn’t just the product of a rumor, it’s more or less a cap law. Phoenix is a second apron team. This means that it cannot aggregate salaries into one occupation. So to get Butler, the Suns have to give up someone more expensive than Butler. Their options are Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Beal. With Durant and Booker seemingly off the table, Beal is the only option.
The problem with Beal’s inclusion is that he has a no-trade clause. He can therefore veto any trade that the Suns present to him, and despite reports the oppositehis agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic that Beal has not agreed to head to specific teams in a possible deal.
“The reports that exist are created out of thin air,” Bartelstein said. “Brad has been completely focused on getting his ankle healthy and helping turn things around for the Suns.”
Beal missed recent games against the Wizards and Pistons because of that ankle, and he sat again Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Right now, the team Beal is most often linked to is the Milwaukee Bucks, although Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that the Bucks “did not inquire” about Beal. The Bucks were interested in Beal when he was available in 2023, but he ultimately landed in Phoenix. But according to Bartelstein, there have been no conversations with the Suns about a trade. However, that doesn’t mean he would completely rule out a deal.
“I never operate in absolute terms, which means we would never say there will never be a transaction that you wouldn’t consider,” Bartelstein told Rankin. “You always keep an open mind, like everyone does in every aspect of their life, and so if something comes up that you’re really passionate about, you always have to consider those things.”
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In other words: Beal could agree to a trade. He hasn’t done it yet. Notably, Bartelstein’s son, Josh Bartelstein, is the CEO of the Suns. In 2023, this could have helped the Suns land Beal in the first place. Now it’s a bridge between the player and the team if they need to find an exit strategy.
The Suns traded their unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Jazz on Tuesday for three lesser first-round picks. While they would have do not have a second exchange immediately planned, the obvious thing to remember is that they are prepares to pursue Butler. With only one tradeable first-round pick, they both couldn’t pay the Heat appropriately to draft Butler and another team to take on Beal’s contract. Now, with three picks at their disposal, they are better equipped for a potential multi-team deal.
THE Heat reportedly suspends Butler for two more games Wednesday after missing a team flight. It certainly seems like they are preparing to trade him sooner rather than later. If the Suns haven’t talked to Beal about waiving that no-trade clause, they’ll likely have to do so quickly.
