All Signs Pointing to Jimmy Butler Being Traded to Phoenix Suns

The first major point from the day came when Shams Charania dropped a key report on ESPN's NBA Today.

"Jimmy Butler has tripled down on his trade request earlier this month. He did it to Pat Riley's face, and then last week he did it to Mickey Arison, the team owner, and the CEO, Nick Arison.

I'm told that the Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week. ... Whatever deal ends up happening, is it going to be just a two-team trade, three-team trade, four-team trade? Really, everything is a possibility."

-Shams Charania

The next big domino came from the another trade that Phoenix made. The Suns struck a deal to give themselves some considerable maneuverability with their future draft capital. This one was also broken by Shams.

"The Phoenix Suns are trading their 2031 unprotected first to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. The Suns are acquiring the least favorable firsts in 2025 of Cleveland/Minnesota, 2027 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah and 2029 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah."

-Shams Charania on Twitter/X

What was the cherry on top? How about Butler sporting a very suggestive color pattern on his shoes for the Miami Heat's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers?

It appears that Phoenix's front office is willing to see this era of Suns basketball, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, through to the end. It should not surprise a single soul to get that sweet post notification from Charania any day now.