The Phoenix Suns' desire to trade Bradley Beal has been widely known, and in recent days, they have been the most active team in the market. According to renowned journalist Shams Charania, the Suns have traded their unprotected first-round pick in 2031 to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three protected first-round picks.
These three first-round picks are specifically: the one with the lowest position among the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, the one with the lowest position among the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz in 2027, and the one with the lowest position among the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz in 2029.
In simpler terms, the Suns have essentially traded a high draft pick for three late first-round picks, which some might consider as "junk" picks. It seems that Danny Ainge, the Suns' general manager, never makes a loss-making deal.
As a result of this trade, the Suns will have draft picks for the next six years (with the options to swap picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030, which cannot be traded but can be used for drafting).
According to reports, the Suns increased their trading assets by turning one first-round pick into three, with the aim of acquiring the big fish on the market - Jimmy Butler.
A source familiar with the Miami Heat's plans stated that this is the first step for the Suns to trade for Butler, which could involve multiple draft picks and two players sent to the Heat. This transaction is expected to involve at least four teams, and it may even involve more than four.
The Suns' management has gone all-in for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, while the Lakers' management is unwilling to sacrifice their future for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, highlighting the difference in approach.
Fortunately, the Toronto Raptors have explicitly expressed their willingness to act as the third or fourth party in the Butler trade, providing immediate combat power and expiring contracts such as Bruce Brown, Boucher, and Olynyk, in exchange for future assets.
According to Suns beat reporter John Gambadoro, the team's star player, Bradley Beal, is willing to waive his no-trade clause and is open to joining the Milwaukee Bucks to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo to win a championship.
Beal has played 30 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.07 steals, with shooting percentages of 48.5%/38.6%/75%.
It's worth noting that when Beal was still with the Washington Wizards, the Bucks had made an offer for him. Currently, the Suns have also completed the first-round trade with the Jazz, and Butler has had multiple conversations with the Heat.
Now, the Suns' actions have finally arrived, and they have sufficient bargaining chips, indicating that they are well-prepared. Is Butler far behind? I believe that this shocking league-wide trade is about to happen soon!
What do you think? If Butler joins the Suns, will they have the championship-winning potential?