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The Phoenix Suns are “fully focused” on acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported Sunday on SportsCenter that “it’s increasingly clear” the Suns are Butler’s preferred long-term landing spot. He added Phoenix is working tirelessly on ways to make this a reality, echoing his earlier reporting that a trade could involve up to five teams.
Butler is doing his part to aid in the Suns’ quest.
The Miami Herald‘s Barry Jackson reported on Jan. 31 that Miami “remains hopeful that others beyond Phoenix make offers” prior to the deadline. The trouble is, Butler can dissuade those other suitors pretty easily.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the six-time All-Star told the Golden State Warriors he wouldn’t sign an extension with them, which effectively takes Golden State out of the running “for now.”
Butler is continuing to bank on Phoenix finding a solution to its Bradley Beal conundrum and there’s nothing to indicate the Suns are any closer to a resolution there.
The Athletic’s Fred Katz reported Beal is prepared to waive his no-trade clause for the right situation but that the list of possibilities “is not long.” Having moved his family to multiple cities over the last few years, the three-time All-Star is looking to enjoy a little more stability.
As a result, Butler and the Heat are stuck in the same bind they’ve faced for more than a month, ever since he communicated his trade request. The 35-year-old wants to go to one specific team, and it’s the team that has perhaps the most difficult path to getting him.
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