Zach BacharContributor IDecember 25, 2024

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Negotiations surrounding a trade between the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns involving Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal are ongoing, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.

“As for Bradley Beal, sources informed The Republic there still are conversations about a deal with the Miami Heat involving Jimmy Butler,” Rankin wrote on Tuesday.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Dec. 17 that the Suns were one of the teams on top of Butler’s list of preferred destinations if the Heat chose to trade him prior to the Feb. 6 deadline.

Butler has a $48.8 million cap hit this year as well as a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which means that he could potentially leave Miami during the 2025 offseason.

Beal holds a $50.2 million salary for the 2024-25 season, allowing Phoenix to use his deal to match salaries with Butler if he chooses to waive his no-trade clause. An agreement between both sides may not be that simple, though.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that “there is scant evidence in circulation to suggest” Miami would be willing to swap Butler for Beal, as the veteran shooting guard has struggled to stay healthy in Phoenix.

Beal has also averaged just 18.3 points per game though two seasons with the Suns after recording 27.6 points per game in his final four years with the Washington Wizards. He’s set to earn $53.7 million for the 2025-26 season and has a player option worth $57.1 million for his 2026-27 campaign.

Phoenix may need to include additional assets into discussions with Miami, as a potential trio of Butler, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant should help the team improve upon its current 14-14 record.

While there are still hurdles to clear in negotiations, the Suns and Heat are reportedly continuing to discuss the framework of a deal that would send Miami’s six-time All-Star to Phoenix.