Jimmy Butler’s transfer saga with the Miami Heat took a significant turn this week as the Phoenix Suns executed a bold trade of picks with the Utah Jazz, potentially paving the way for Butler to arrive in the Valley of the Sun . With growing signs of Butler’s discontent in Miami and the Suns’ willingness to do anything to win now, this move could be the first domino to fall to realize the dream trio of Butler, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Suns-Jazz Pick Swap: A Creative Solution
On Tuesday, the Suns traded an unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Jazz in exchange for three future first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029). Although on paper the deal appears to favor Utah in the long run, it’s a clear indication that Phoenix is in win-now mode.
The Suns receive:
- 2025 first-round pick (via Cleveland or Minnesota)
- 2027 first-round pick (via Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah)
- 2029 first-round pick (via Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah)
The Jazz receive:
- 2031 first round pick (unprotected)
The 2031 unprotected pick has significant potential value given that Durant, Butler and Booker may no longer be with the franchise by then. For now, this move adds valuable draft capital for Phoenix, allowing them to offer attractive packages to facilitate a multi-team trade for Butler.
How this deal brings Jimmy Butler closer to Phoenix
The Suns’ financial situation made a simple one-for-one trade with Miami nearly impossible. Butler’s $48.8 million salary for the 2024-25 season and $52.4 million player option for 2025-26 require creative solutions to meet equal pay demands. Enter the Jazz deal.
By tripling their first-round draft capital, Phoenix has positioned itself to involve multiple teams in a potential trade for Butler. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Suns’ increased draft flexibility could make it easier to talk with other franchises to shed contracts and meet Miami’s demands.
The clearest path involves trading Bradley Beal, whose $50.2 million salary this season matches Butler’s. However, Beal’s no-trade clause complicates things, as he has the power to veto any deal. Reports suggest that Beal would consider waiving the clause for destinations like the Milwaukee Bucks, while others speculate that Detroit could emerge as a suitor.
The potential outcome: A great Suns team
If Phoenix can successfully navigate these complexities, Butler will join Booker and Durant to form a formidable trio. This pairing would solidify the Suns as one of the most dangerous teams in the league, capable of competing with heavyweights like Denver and Milwaukee.
-The move will likely involve at least three teams, with Phoenix’s new picks likely being re-routed to sweeten the deal. Although negotiations are still ongoing, Butler’s arrival in Phoenix seems more and more plausible.
Jimmy Butler’s contract: Time is running out
Butler’s current contract includes a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but reports indicate he plans not to exercise it to secure a longer-term deal. At 36 years old, this would likely be Butler’s last major contract.
| Saison | Age | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 35 | 48 798 677 $ |
| 2025-26 | 36 | $52,413,394 (PO) |
| 2026 | 37 | UFA |
What are the next steps?
Although a resolution to the Jimmy Butler saga has yet to be finalized, Phoenix’s proactive moves have set the stage for a dramatic trade. The Suns are clearly committed to building a championship-caliber team, with Butler as the final piece of the puzzle.
As the February trade deadline approaches, expect more twists and turns in this high-stakes negotiation. But one thing is certain: If Phoenix succeeds, the Suns will be a team that no contender will want to face in the playoffs.
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