Heat forward and six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler is open to playing for the Phoenix Suns if Miami decides to make a trade, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday.

Charania said Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated to league sources that Butler is open to playing for the Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

Butler is 35 years old and is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists this year while shooting 55.7% from the field and 36% from long range.

He is a five-time All-NBA player and a five-time All-Defense team member. He led Miami to the 2020 NBA Finals bubble and the 2022-23 playoffs. The Heat lost both series against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, respectively.

Miami entered Wednesday at 12-10 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Suns have a 12-11 record, but a 1-9 record when Kevin Durant is out.

Butler has a $48.8 million cap hit for this season and a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26.

The Suns have three players making more money this year: Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. Assuming a Butler transfer wouldn’t involve Durant or Booker, Beal would work for Butler without the NBA’s latest trade restrictions.

Beal has a cap hit of $50.2 million. So while the trade works for the Suns, the Heat are too close to the second frontcourt and would have to give up additional salary. Beal also has a no-trade clause.

Beal said on an episode of Run your race On the October podcast, he looked at Miami and the Milwaukee Bucks as trade targets from Washington before Phoenix entered the picture before last season.

Lee spoke out after the report was published and called it fabricated. He said his alleged actions related to the report would not help his position. He urged fans to “keep going.” Heat owner Micky Arison reposted Lee’s comments.

The NBA trade deadline is February 6th.

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