Suns Reroute Bradley Beal In Proposed Blockbuster Trade For Heat's Jimmy Butler

Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

With Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler preferring a trade out of the organization prior to the trade deadline, proposals will come to light more than ever.

The Phoenix Suns are one of Butler's ideal landing spots, but the issue is the return package for the Heat. Disappointing guard Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause, must be included somewhere in a potential deal. Miami's front office is unlikely to have any interest in the 31-year-old.

However, there's a way around it. Brett Siegel of Clutch Points proposed a blockbuster move that reroutes Beal to the Detroit Pistons. The following trade idea does not include draft capital.

Suns receive: Jimmy Butler

Heat receive: Brandon Ingram, Malik Beasley, Marcus Sasser

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Josh Richardson

Pistons receive: Bradley Beal, Jett Howard, Caleb Houstan

Orlando Magic receive: CJ McCollum, Daniel Theis

There are two teams that would accept their package out of the gates: the Magic and Suns. This trade lands Orlando with the reliable veteran guard they've been seeking to pair alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Meanwhile, the Suns continue the Big Three strategy with a stronger No. 3 option.

The Pistons could desire a player like Beal simply to mentor Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, but it would throw off their timeline quite a bit. New Orleans is essentially taking back a plethora of role players for a star they're ready to part with.

Ingram, Beasley, Sasser, and draft capital would not be a poor return for the 35-year-old forward. It's simply a matter of if the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets are willing to offer a greater package.


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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.


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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com