NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster 4-team deal landing Jimmy Butler on Suns and $50M star to Bucks explained
The NBA trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler and the Suns picked up steam after Phoenix acquired less favorable three first-round picks for an unprotected first-round pick from the Jazz. The trade went down Tuesday, and the immediate attention was on the Suns, who are seemingly stockpiling assets for a blockbuster move.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Phoenix acquired the least favorable firsts in 2025 of Cleveland/Minnesota, 2027 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah and 2029 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah. That gives the Suns more flexibility in striking a deal with the trade deadline nearing.
In the meantime, Suns insider John Gambadoro reported that the Bucks are open to accepting Bradley Beal in this potential deal. The Suns guard is open to waiving his no-trade clause if he lands on another contender amid these moves. The Athletic reported that the Bucks want to get under the second apron to accommodate a high-salaried veteran.
On the other hand, Charania reported that Jimmy Butler has 'tripled down' on his request to Pat Riley and the Heat ownership. With the two parties not seeing eye-to-eye and the situation escalating after Butler got suspended, the Heat could be more motivated to move their star player.
With all three teams over the apron, the framework will be complicated and require another team to complete the negotiations. The new CBA has significant restrictions, making it nearly impossible for the Suns, Heat and Bucks to feel they received the fair end of the bargain.
NBA Trade Rumors: Here's how Jimmy Butler to Suns and Bradley Beal to Bucks can work with one East team
As mentioned above, Jimmy Butler landing on the Suns and Bradley Beal to the Bucks can only happen with a fourth team in the frame. The least complicated one to involve in exchange for draft compensation would be the Detroit Pistons. They can absorb salaries. The Pistons have $14 million available in cap space.
According to Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, the Pistons are among the three teams, along with the Wizards and Raptors, showing interest in taking up Connaughton's contract.
The fourth team's inclusion would primarily be for the Bucks to be able to shed salaries, as the Heat or the Suns can't take back more salary. The Bucks must part with at least four players, including Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and MarJon Beauchamp.
Any trade deal for a big move must include Middleton's $34 million contract. To acquire another $50 million range for players like Beal - Portis, Connaughton and Beauchamp are the most likely candidates to be moved. Portis and Connaughton haven't been at the level of their 2021 championship run play, while Doc Rivers hasn't favored Beauchamp since taking over the Bucks coaching job last year.
The first step towards completing this deal would be for Milwaukee to get under the second apron. The Bucks can do that by trading Pat Connaughton and MarJon Beauchamp's combined $12.04 million salary to the Pistons, allowing them to trade Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis in a packaged deal to Miami.
The Bucks might need to offer draft compensation to the Pistons, potentially their 2031 first-round pick with a top-five protection. They would have to package it to absorb Connaughton's $18.8 million salary across two years.
The next step would involve all four teams. The trade centerpieces, Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal, would be moved to the Suns and Bucks, respectively. The Bucks, meanwhile, will trade Middleton and Portis to the Heat.
The Suns use their added draft capital in exchange by sending the Bucks one of the three first-round picks they acquired from Utah to take on Beal's contract and the other two to the Heat for Butler.
Here's what the final trade framework looks like:
Editor's note: The Suns' 2025, 2027 and 2029 picks are not updated on the website.
The Bucks would potentially want the 2025 pick from the Suns. They don't have an unprotected first-round pick in the upcoming six drafts, seven if they trade their 2031 pick to the Detroit Pistons. The chance to draft a prospect next offseason could help them next year. They can also flip that pick for additional help in the offseason.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat will secure decent help with Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis to keep their playoff hopes alive. Middleton has been injury-prone, but his playoff credentials can't be ignored. Should he continue building momentum leading up to the postseason, the former All-Star could be a key contributor.
Meanwhile, Portis adds size to the frontcourt for the Heat. He can also space the floor and be a reliable backup for Bam Adebayo or play at the four with him. Portis would fit exceptionally well in the Heat's new offense, catering to more 3-point shooting, player and ball movement.
ICYMI - Bucks Trade Rumors: Lottery team facilitates Jimmy Butler's blockbuster union with old foe Giannis Antetokounmpo