The rapidly escalating rumors about the Phoenix Suns finally moving closer to a Jimmy Butler trade by getting the Milwaukee Bucks on board with acquiring Bradley Beal have been shattered by reputed NBA insider Chris Haynes.
In the latest ‘Haynes Brief;’ the reporter revealed that the Bucks’ interest in landing Beal is ‘non-existent.’
“Contrary to popular belief, I was just informed that the Milwaukee Bucks have not inquired about Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal. In fact, I was told that a connection between the parties was non-existent. If Phoenix is able to acquire Jimmy Butler, it won’t be coming via the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the star guard (Beal).”
This is what makes the most sense. When the Bucks’ initial interest was revealed, I even wrote that they should avoid this move for as long as possible. Weakening an asset-strapped team’s rotation doesn’t make sense and that’s what would’ve happened to the Bucks, needing to give up Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis Jr. to make a deal for Beal.
Another recent report suggests that the Bucks could be interested in Zach LaVine. While LaVine’s contract is also considered to be bad, it’s a far better deal than what Beal is on. LaVine is averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists compared to Beal’s 17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The Chicago Bulls guard is younger, produces at a higher level, and is on a cheaper contract over the same number of years.
How This Affects Phoenix’s Pursuit Of Jimmy Butler
The Suns cannot acquire Jimmy Butler if they can’t find a way to reroute Bradley Beal to a third team. Despite the trade rumors intensifying daily, it’s believed that Beal himself hasn’t even been asked about potentially waiving his no-trade clause for a deal.
Everyone is assuming Beal will be willing to waive the clause for a win-now team that wants to start him. But there aren’t many teams like that who want the liability of Beal’s contract on their roster. He’s owed over $110 million over the next three seasons in a deal with a no-trade clause, so most franchises will stay away.
The Suns are reportedly very close to finalizing the Butler trade, but there doesn’t seem to be a Beal destination. Teams who have been interested in joining this deal as facilitators including the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors might be convinced into accepting Beal but there’s no guarantee Beal wants to join any of them, outside maybe the Pistons who are making a Playoff push.
Jimmy Butler was suspended once again by the Heat, this time for two games because he missed a team flight. They seem to be just as done with Butler as Butler is with them, so trade talks and rumors will only continue to increase between now and February 6.
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