Rumors: Jimmy Butler sets role expectations alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix Suns trade

Jimmy Butler looks to play alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in the Phoenix Suns after further disappointment with Miami Heat.

Rumors: Jimmy Butler sets role expectations alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix Suns trade

Jimmy Butler's fit with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker outlined

The ongoing trade saga surrounding Jimmy Butler continues to remain the top story across the NBA. Butler is set to return to the Miami Heat’s lineup against the Denver Nuggets after serving a seven-game suspension. However, the friction between him and the Heat management has only intensified. It has fueled speculation about a potential trade before the February 6 deadline.

In a report by ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, Jimmy Butler has reportedly grown increasingly dissatisfied with his role in Miami. This caused him to request a trade following heated dust-ups with Heat President Pat Riley. After being removed as a focal point in the Heat’s offensive system, Butler rather envisions himself being a tertiary option alongside Phoenix Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

On the court, Butler began to believe that the Heat were prioritizing Adebayo and Herro over him, sources close to Butler said…‘If they’re doing this transition to Bam and Tyler, Jimmy’s like, ‘Fine, do your transition,’ a source close to Butler said. ‘If [he’s] going to be the second or third wheel, [he’ll] be that in Phoenix to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Ramona Shelburne via ESPN
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The 6x All-Star Butler has shown in the past his willingness to take a back seat if the situation necessitates it. When he played alongside Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers remains the prime example. Since then, he has gone on to lead the Heat to multiple NBA Finals appearances as a number 1 option for the team.

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However, Jimmy Butler’s disconnect with the team only grew larger when he felt he was being cast aside on the team’s roster in favor of greater opportunities for homegrown Heat stars like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Now, it appears his future lies elsewhere.

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Potential landing spots for Jimmy Butler in a trade

Although Jimmy Butler appears to have set his sights on the Suns, making a trade work is easier said than done. Phoenix has limited assets following previous blockbuster deals for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Thus, it is difficult to craft a trade package that satisfies the Heat.

Additionally, any deal involving Butler would likely require Beal’s inclusion due to salary-matching constraints, complicated further by Beal’s no-trade clause. Even if the Suns could navigate these hurdles, the NBA’s new CBA presents another challenge.

Phoenix is deep into the second apron, which significantly restricts their ability to add salary. If Phoenix is unable to pull off a deal, several other teams could emerge as potential suitors for Butler. Let’s take a look at some of these deals.

  • Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks could look to move on from Khris Middleton and form a formidable trio with Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard. Milwaukee has championship aspirations and could see Butler as a key missing piece.
  • Golden State Warriors: Reportedly one of Butler’s preferred destinations, the Warriors are in desperate need of a star forward. With Draymond Green’s recent struggles, an aging core, and a slew of young talented forwards underperforming, Golden State could attempt to reshape its roster around Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry.
  • Houston Rockets: The Rockets have a young, talented core and are looking to add veteran leadership. Butler’s defensive mentality and playoff experience could be valuable for a team looking to make a serious push in the West.
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Other teams could certainly be involved, such as speculations about Butler on the rising Oklahoma City Thunder roster. However, while Butler remains an elite player, teams must also consider the long-term implications of acquiring him. At 34 years old, he is in the final third of his career, and his durability has become a growing concern, having never played more than 64 games in a Heat uniform.