Suns Trading Unprotected 2031 First-Round Pick To Jazz For Three Firsts

January 21, 2025

The Suns are doing what the Suns do — pushing all the chips to the center of the NBA table. Trading their 2031 first-round pick to the Jazz for three firsts spread across 2025, 2027, and 2029 is a move that screams win now, as relayed by Shams Charania of ESPN.

The deal gives Phoenix the flexibility to unlock their next six drafts. And it’s not hard to connect the dots here — as this is likely about positioning for a swing at Miami’s Jimmy Butler.

Butler reportedly wants out of South Beach, and the Suns are said to be on his short list of preferred destinations. It’s no secret they’re trying to surround Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal with even more firepower. Turning one future first into three gives them the ammo to potentially land another star—or at least improve their rotation.

Here’s the breakdown: Phoenix is acquiring the least favorable of Cleveland and Minnesota’s first-rounders in 2025, 2027, and 2029 (also factoring in Utah’s stake in those years). Translation? The picks aren’t premium, but they’re still valuable currency in a trade.

Meanwhile, the Jazz are taking a more long-term approach — adding yet another first-rounder to their already massive stash of picks from the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades.

With this latest haul, Utah now has a ridiculous 11 first-rounders over the next seven years. Danny Ainge and Co. are playing the long game, waiting for the right moment to strike.

So, what’s next? The Suns are clearly gearing up to make noise, and Butler could be the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

Whether it works out or not, one thing’s for sure — Phoenix isn’t afraid to take risks. And in today’s NBA, that’s how you stay relevant.