Jimmy Butler Rumors: Suns 'Want Him Bad' amid Heat Star's Trade Request, Beal Buzz

Jimmy Butler is reportedly fixated on a trade to the Phoenix Suns amid a standoff with the Miami Heat, and the Suns are reportedly just as interested in him.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Phoenix "wants Butler" in a trade, and one league source even said the Suns "want him bad." However, there is a potential obstacle to a Phoenix trade for Butler, as Bradley Beal's contract features a no-trade clause that could prohibit a deal.

"Before Bradley Beal's obsessively discussed no-trade clause can even come into play, Miami and Phoenix need a third team willing to absorb Beal's monster contract to emerge," Stein wrote.

If the Suns want to land Butler, the trade would likely need to feature Beal to make sense financially. Beal will make $53.67 million next season and has a $57.13 million player option in 2026-27, which could be too much for Miami or a third team to take on.

Even if a team is willing to take Beal in a trade, his no-trade clause means he could veto the deal and stay in Phoenix.

Beal is putting up 17.8 points per game this year and has recently started coming off the bench for the Suns. While he's still performing well, his numbers don't necessarily warrant his expensive contract.

It's understandable why Butler wants to play for the Suns. Not only would he be in a good position to compete for a title alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but Phoenix seems willing to give him a lucrative contract at 35 years old. Stein reported last week that Suns owner Mat Ishbia "is believed to be as willing to sign the 35-year-old to a lucrative new contract as anyone you'll find."

Butler, who is currently serving a seven-game suspension, is putting up 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this year. While his numbers are far from the best of his career, he could be enough to help the Suns win their first championship.