Heat Not Interested In Jimmy Butler Trade That Brings Back Contract Of Suns’ Bradley Beal

The Maimi Heat don’t want Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal. At least, they don’t want his contract, as relayed by Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Miami is in the middle of some trade rumors at the moment, after suspending guard Jimmy Butler for seven games. The Heat have said they’re listening to offers for Butler, who requested a trade.

Meanwhile, Beal is owed $110 million over the next two seasons. While still effective, his game is very clearly on the decline and it would make sense if the Heat didn’t want to saddle themselves with such a deal.

Perhaps a third team could be found, as the Suns are reportedly among the teams on Butler’s preferred destinations. But there also have been reports that he’d be happy to play anywhere — just not Miami.

Anyway, a Butler trade could be complicated because Miami is an “apron team,” meaning it can’t take back more salary than it’s sending out.

The Heat are said to be looking to move Butler as soon as possible, though the Warriors are among the rumored suitors who reportedly are no longer viable.

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6, so the Heat are on the clock with only a month to go.

And yes, the suspension could linger on.

“Unless Butler is considered to violate the conduct detrimental policy in his contract from the time the suspension starts, Miami cannot extend the suspension to include more games,” wrote ESPN’s Bobby Marks. “Because the suspension is by the team and not the NBA, the Heat will not receive luxury tax savings.”