PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns could be looking for another league move in the near future.

ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that Miami Heat’s star forward Jimmy Butler has signaled that the Suns would be one of his preferred destinations – if the Heat decide to cut their six-year partnership.

Per Charania;

“The Phoenix Suns are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent Bernie Lee has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open as a target while Miami listens to trade offers, sources tell ESPN, joining Dallas, Houston and …to Golden State.”

The news that Butler was eyeing the franchises listed above was of great interest in terms of what impact it could have on Phoenix both now and in the future – but now it looks like the Suns have one pretty good chance of taking part in the raffle.

Phoenix and Miami’s respective situations under the new CBA make a one-for-one player swap with Bradley Beal impossible – therefore a third team would have to acquire Beal in a potential trade – Beal’s no-trade clause also makes this difficult.

While Beal has produced more good than bad in his year-plus in the Valley, Butler is one of the most versatile players on the club – and would give this squad a much-needed physical edge.

In fact, Butler is averaging his lowest PPG since 2019-20 (19), but remains in the stat sheet beyond that, making just 11.3 shot attempts per night. He also remains one of the steadiest fullbacks in the game and fits into the current schedule already set by Governor Mat Ishbia.

The trade deadline is just nine weeks away – it will be of great interest to see what the end result is in the coming weeks.