Golden State Warriors Take Phoenix Suns' Top Trade Candidate Off Market With Massive Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 8:22 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns have been in pursuit of Jimmy Butler since he asked for a trade from the Miami Heat. They have exhausted every option, including exploring mega-deals including four or five teams.

Each time, the issue was rooted in one player in particular.

Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause and he was quite resistant to waive the clause.

With Beal under a large contract and having no suitable partner for him to be encouraged to waive the clause, the Suns were unable to shake a deal.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia was keen to land Butler, though, and Kevin Durant became a focal point in those talks. The Golden State Warriors also called regarding Durant's availability.

Even worse, the Warriors were eager to add star power alongside Curry -- which means they also inquired about Bulter ahead of the trade deadline.

On the eve of the deadline, just before they tipped off a contest against the Utah Jazz, the Warriors struck a deal with the Heat to land Butler.

"The Miami Heat are finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick," ESPN's Shams Charania reported.

BREAKING: The Miami Heat are finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/82mWHKCnVM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

Butler is not off the trade market for the Suns and Durant shut down a trade for him to land with the Warriors.

Where does Phoenix go from here? Calls will still go through regarding Durant and his availability, though the Suns were unable to capture Butler in a deal that they tried so hard for.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: