Jack MurrayDecember 20, 2024
Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal may not play ball on a potential trade to the Miami Heat.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that while Heat guard Jimmy Butler may prefer a trade to the Suns, it would rely on Beal waving his no-trade clause to play for the Heat. At the moment, Siegel reported that there is “zero indication” Beal would be willing to do that:
The Phoenix Suns are also rumored to be one of Butler’s preferred destinations, and there is a path to a deal getting done if Bradley Beal is willing to waive his no-trade clause to play for the Heat. There have been zero indications suggesting this is the case right now, sources said. Beal is happy with the Suns, and those feelings have been reciprocated by Phoenix’s front office. The Suns believe they have the best team in the Western Conference when Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal are on the floor together. With this said, that does not mean feelings will change closer to the trade deadline. If the Suns and Heat are to seriously engage in trade conversations surrounding Butler, which has yet to happen, that would occur much closer to February.
Siegel also reported that while a trade may not be on the table right now talks could heat up by the trade deadline.
Phoenix is currently 14-12 and sits in ninth place in the Western Conference. Beal is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16 games and slots in as an excellent option alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
While Beal is a strong contributor, Butler would be a slight upgrade. He is averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and five assists in 19 games for a Heat team that is 13-11 and sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Swapping the two would give Phoenix a slight upgrade in the short-term and likely some cap relief following the season as Butler could hit unrestricted free agency following the 2024-25 season. Miami, meanwhile, would get a similar player who is under contract through 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27.
While it could make sense for both sides, the final decision will lie with Beal and his willingness to drop a no-trade clause.
