Phoenix is a potential destination that interests Jimmy Butler as trade rumors continue to swirl around the Heat star, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). However, while Charania’s report suggests that Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has “indicated in league circles” that Phoenix would be a favorable landing spot, Lee immediately and vehemently denied any involvement.
“Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy, but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bulls–t because you know you normally aren’t worth my time to acknowledge,” Lee responded (via Twitter). “I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike.
“World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said ‘journalist.’ Shams, this is your opportunity to say, ‘My bad I let ChatGPT write my tweets and it went old school Peter Vescey..’ (Shams, Peter was a writer in the 90’s). Be a trend setter.. invent the new ‘I was hacked.’ Carry on all. Thank you.”
Charania reported on Tuesday that Lee had made it clear in league circles that Butler would be open to destinations like Houston, Dallas, and Golden State in the event of a trade.
It’s worth noting that Lee and Charania have clashed before, including in April when Charania reported that Butler was feared to have suffered an MCL and was expected to miss several weeks following a collision with Sixers wing Kelly Oubre in a play-in game.
Lee denied the report, as did the team’s beat writers, noting that Butler had yet to undergo an MRI. The Heat star ended up missing the first-round series against Boston with a sprained MCL.
Lee also lashed out following at Charania following his 2021 claim that there were “very, very testy moments behind the scenes” between Butler and the Heat coaching staff, referring to the reporter as an “ambulance chasing, dirt bag piece of s–t” in a tweet he later deleted.
If there’s substance behind Charania’s latest report, it’s significant because any team dealing for Butler would like some assurance that he’ll consider re-signing. He holds a $52.4MM player option for next season and has indicated that he plans to turn that down and test free agency.
Butler is making $48.8MM this season, so it would be difficult to get him to a team like Phoenix, which is operating under second apron restrictions and isn’t permitted to combine salaries in any trade. ESPN’s Bobby Marks points out (Twitter link) that Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal combine for 68% of the Suns’ salary, and Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, but one of them (presumably Beal) would have to be sent out in any deal involving Butler.
A source tells Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports (Twitter link) that the Suns aren’t pursuing a trade for Butler, regardless of any interest he might have. Bourguet’s source states that management has faith in its current roster, pointing out that the team is 11-2 when Durant, Booker and Beal are all healthy.
Bourguet also notes that because Miami and Phoenix are both apron teams, neither can take back more salary than it sends out. The only loophole would be for Miami to attach a veteran’s minimum deal along with Butler’s contract because Phoenix could take on that contract using the minimum salary exception (Twitter link). Involving a third team to take on salary would also work.
Mr Lee doesn’t seem to like Shams.
The whole thing is a bit of a pointless exercise, considering how unlikely it is than Beal would waive his NTC to accommodate this. He would need to be sent out, but he ain’t going willingly.
Miami > Phoenix … maybe this makes sense for Beal because he can have a better role. There’s no chance they match salaries any other way.
Shams: “He sprained his MCL”
Lee: “He didnt even do imaging yet”
*Jimmy has sprained MCL confirmed after imaging*
Maybe Shams is from the future and he just knows things we dont yet lmao
Beal’s contract has 2 more seasons after this one at 55 mm per year. If MIA was willing to pay that amount over the next 2 seasons, they’d have extended Butler. A vastly superior player, and fit in MIA, even at his advanced age. If for any reason they did take on Beal, they’d certain expect to get something for it, in addition to something for Butler; all from a team in PHX that has no trade assets.
Why would you want Beal over Butler ……
never happen.
Miami should be looking to Bulls. Zach can have a second career in Miami. He will play with Bam and Jimmy there. His cost will be reasonable too.
Hero can be moved to third team. So Bulls get picks and young players.
How many stars do the Suns need?