The Phoenix Suns have had a disappointing season thus far and they are expected to make some moves ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
Phoenix currently holds a 19-20 record which has them sitting 11th in the Western Conference standings. Their big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker has not worked out as they had hoped, and their lack of roster depth has also been a major factor in their struggles this season.
With the Suns struggling, they have been linked to many players in trade rumors, but the one that is their top priority is Jimmy Butler. Butler requested a trade from the Miami Heat a few weeks ago and reiterated his request to Pat Riley on Tuesday.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images While Butler and the Suns have mutual interest, a recent report may hinder their trade talks. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat have received multiple offers for Butler, but Riley has not shown any urgency to finalize any trades. “The Heat have engaged with multiple teams on Butler trade scenarios and have received offers but have been hesitant to negotiate further, sources said,” Charania wrote.
“Riley has not shown an urgency in these talks, as the trade deadline looms on Feb. 6, sources added.” With Riley not showing any urgency to trade Butler, he may end up sticking around in Miami for the rest of the season. Riley already mentioned earlier in the season that the Heat had no intentions of trading Butler, but that changed after his trade request. Phoenix has been the main team in on Butler, but they are having their own problems while trying to land the six-time All-Star.
They would have to include Beal in the deal, but since he has a no-trade clause he can shut down any trade he is in.
The Heat have also shown no interest in adding Beal’s large contract, so the Suns will likely have to find a third team to send him to. With all of this playing out and now with the report that Riley is in no hurry to trade away Butler, Phoenix may be out of luck in acquiring the superstar this season.
