Jimmy Butler Rumors: Suns 'Discussed' Using 2031 1st-Round Pick in Trade Talks

The Phoenix Suns have "discussed" sending out their 2031 first-round pick in a potential trade for Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

The news comes two days after the Suns sent out three second-round picks as part of the trade for center Nick Richards.

Butler was not listed on Friday's injury report ahead of the Heat's home game against the Denver Nuggets. He was suspended for Miami's last seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.

The Heat said in a statement when suspending Butler that they would "listen to offers" because the forward had indicated to the team he wanted a trade.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier this week that the Heat "have engaged with multiple teams" about a potential Butler trade, but that Pat Riley "has not shown an urgency in these talks" ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

Butler is owed $48.8 million in salary for the 2024-25 season. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker all but untouchable, the Suns would need to get Bradley Beal to agree to move his $50.2 million salary for a trade to work. Beal has a no-trade clause, which he waived to come to the Suns from the Washington Wizards.

According to a recent report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, sources close to Beal say he "has steadfastly maintained he wants to hold on to his no-trade clause, even if he ever approves a trade from Phoenix."

"He has three young children and values the stability the no-trade clause affords his family, sources said," Shelburne wrote.

Shelburne continued:

"That was a nonstarter for the Heat back in 2023 when they looked into acquiring him from the Washington Wizards, sources said, and remains that way today. Thus, a third or fourth team -- one that would be amenable to acquiring Beal and his no-trade clause -- would be required, furthering the level of difficulty."

The Suns' lack of draft assets will be exacerbated by their salary-cap situation going forward. As noted by The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, any team that exceeds the second apron in 2024-25 will have their 2032 first-rounder frozen until at least the summer of 2028.

Beal is currently sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Despite recently saying he believes he should be in the starting lineup, he has been relegated to the bench for his last six games with the Suns. His production has dipped over that stretch to 16.3 points per game.