Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Sol, Heat Still Discussing Deal Amid Bradley Beal Buzz | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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

“Regarding Bradley Beal, sources told The Republic that talks are still ongoing about a deal with the Miami Heat involving Jimmy Butler,” Rankin wrote Tuesday.

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

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

Beal has a $50.2 million salary for the 2024-25 season, giving Phoenix the option 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 so simple.

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

Beal is also averaging just 18.3 points per game. game through two seasons with the Suns after recording 27.6 points per game. game in his final four years with the Washington Wizards. He is due to make $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 in discussions with Miami, as a potential trio of Butler, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant should help the team improve on 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.