The best part of a Jimmy Butler trade may not even be the player the Suns get back.
The Phoenix Suns have been the center of trade talks around the NBA as they pursue a roster shakeup. However, the Suns’ season has not gone as they pictured. They currently sit 21-21, just a little over halfway through the season. With this team already making a move for center Nick Richards more moves were expected to follow.
We saw that unfold with the Suns’ recent move to send their 2031 1st round pick to the Utah Jazz to get three 1st round picks (one in 2025, 2027 & 2029). This makes pursuing the Suns’ top trade candidate, Jimmy Butler, easier. I believe the Suns have set themselves up to acquire the forward now with this move. Even seeing this unfold, fans question if this is the right direction for the team. Time will tell if they get Butler if it works, but ultimately, this move is the right one to pursue as it eliminates the biggest headache for the Suns: a no-trade clause in a contract.
The Roadblock
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Ultimately, the Bradley Beal experiment in Phoenix has run its course. It’s not that Bradley is a bad player; it’s just that the fit is not right. There was not enough ball in the starting five for the starters to show their best skills, so the Suns moved Bradley Beal to the bench. Beal is also owed $110 over the next two seasons. For a player who feels he can make an impact, he should not be coming off the bench.
As we all know, the Suns would have made a move already if they could have. This no-trade clause in Bradley Beal’s contract hinders the Suns’ ability to move him. Not to mention that they are also in the second apron, which makes it so difficult. Even if you think trading for a 35-year-old Jimmy Butler is the wrong idea, at least he would not have a restriction on trading him.
What happens if the Butler experiment does not work?
If you have this eerie feeling of getting Butler, or even if giving him the extension like Mat Ishbia wants makes you feel squeamish, here are some reasons why the Suns will still be fine for seasons to come.
- This ensures Kevin Durant remains happy and extends
- You have a mentor for Ryan Dunn to build as a defender
- Jimmy will let Booker and Durant be the scorers
Final Thoughts
Now, if it all goes south and the Suns do not compete for a championship, you may be frustrated. You may say, “This was a waste,” but at least the Suns could get capital back for these players. Yes, it would not be as high as it is now, but the Suns could still facilitate deals to send these guys out. To the Suns’ benefit as well, there would not be a looming blockade as someone could choose where to play.
The no-trade clause is the central issue in all of this, and once it is off the Sun’s roster, it is like getting rid of the black plague. Hopefully, the NTC and the injury bug will be tied together, and both will be out of Phoenix by February 6th for the sake of the fans and the front office.