Photo: Phoenix Suns/YouTube

The Milwaukee Bucks have not been explicitly advised against pursuing Jimmy Butler in trade discussions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the team is actively planning to make an offer for the Miami Heat star.

Instead, Milwaukee’s front office appears to be more focused on acquiring another star guard: Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns.

One possible scenario could see the Bucks playing a pivotal role in a larger trade transaction that eventually sends Butler to his preferred destination in Phoenix, with Beal moving to Milwaukee as part of the deal.

Alternatively, the Bucks could look to acquire the guard independently, in a separate trade that doesn’t involve Butler at all.

Milwaukee has shown interest in Beal in the past, even when he was still a member of the Washington Wizards.

The prospect of adding the veteran scorer to their roster remains appealing, though it’s uncertain whether the player would be open to a trade to the Bucks.

The decision would ultimately be up to Beal, who has a say in his destination given his no-trade clause.

Acquiring the veteran guard, however, presents significant challenges for the Bucks.

To facilitate a trade for the guard, Milwaukee would need to operate within the league’s financial constraints and get under the second apron of the salary cap.

This will likely require the Bucks to find a team willing to take on Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million contract, ideally without the Bucks receiving any salary in return.

The financial gymnastics involved could make a Beal trade complicated, but Milwaukee’s interest in bolstering their roster remains strong.

Beal has played 13 seasons for the Wizards and Suns. He has averaged 21.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 777 regular-season games. He was selected to play in 3 All-Star games.