Photo: Peter Baba

The Phoenix Suns are navigating a challenging trade landscape as a team operating above the NBA’s restrictive second salary cap apron.

Despite these hurdles, they have been one of the league’s most diligent and active teams in pursuing opportunities to enhance their roster.

Recently, reports have surfaced of mutual interest between the Suns and Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

However, acquiring Butler would necessitate moving Bradley Beal, which is far from a straightforward process due to the complexities of Beal’s contract and trade restrictions.

Bradley Beal holds a no-trade clause, granting him full control over his next destination, and his contract runs for two more seasons after the current one.

According to Brian Windhorst, “They have not-so-secretly been looking to find a new home for Beal in a way that could also land them Jimmy Butler.”

However, the Miami Heat reportedly have no interest in taking Beal in a direct swap for Butler. This complicates matters, as the Suns would need to bring a third team into the equation – one willing to absorb the Suns guard’s sizable contract and meet his approval.

Adding another layer to the intrigue, the Suns’ CEO, Josh Bartelstein, is the son of Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein.

While this unique relationship isn’t mentioned explicitly by Windhorst, it could play a crucial role in facilitating a complex, multi-team trade, much like it did when the Suns initially acquired Beal in 2023.

The Bartelstein connection could help streamline discussions and ensure Beal’s cooperation in finding a mutually agreeable resolution.

Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, is reportedly intrigued by the Suns’ potential as a title-contending team. The Suns might also be one of the few organizations willing to offer the forward the type of lucrative contract extension he is seeking shortly.

For the Suns, bringing in Butler would provide them with an elite two-way player and a proven postseason performer who could elevate their championship aspirations alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

To make a deal viable, the Suns have limited draft capital but still possess their 2031 first-round pick and three second-rounders, assets they could leverage in trade discussions.