While Jimmy Butler remains an active member of the Miami Heat, the team is determined to continue exploring trade opportunities leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Sources close to the situation indicate that both sides may prefer an immediate parting, Stein wrote, but finding a deal has proven to be extremely difficult.
Miami’s efforts to engineer a multiteam trade involving Butler remain ongoing, as they are open to any potential path that would allow them to move forward.
The Phoenix Suns have long been viewed as Butler’s preferred destination, but Stein notes that Phoenix’s ability or willingness to make a deal remains uncertain.
The Suns face significant hurdles due to their current financial situation, notably being well beyond the second apron for luxury tax teams.
Furthermore, they are limited in trade assets, with just one tradeable first-round pick (2031) and one tradeable second-round pick (2025 via Denver), following their recent acquisition of Charlotte’s Nick Richards.
Stein underscores that despite the complexity of these issues, the Heat’s front office continues to explore all options as the trade deadline approaches.
“Beyond the well-chronicled contractual complexities involved for Phoenix to acquire Butler when the Suns have strayed so far beyond the second apron for luxury tax teams, it’s likewise true that the Suns are down to one tradeable first-round pick (2031) and one tradeable second-rounder (2025 via Denver) for any further in-season business after the acquisition of Richards,” Stein wrote.
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