The message is clear on the NBA trade market: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler wants to join the Phoenix Suns, and the Suns hope to add Butler.
For this to come to fruition, Suns guard Bradley Beal must agree to waive his no-trade clause. Even if Beal is willing to do so, an organization needs to be willing to take on his lucrative contract. That team is almost certainly not the Heat.
Suns Receive: Jimmy Butler, Richaun Holmes, Josh Richardson
Heat Receive: Bradley Beal, Ryan Dunn, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (PHX)
Wizards Receive: Duncan Robinson
Let's assume Miami team president Pat Riley and the front office can overlook Beal's five-year, $251 million contract. His fit with the team is far from ideal.
In his prime, Beal resembled a similar style of play and production to Heat guard Tyler Herro's breakout campaign. Pairing two of such a parallel archetype is not a recipe for success, especially on the defensive end. Criticism is already looming about the lack of prowess on the defensive end with a backcourt of Herro and Terry Rozier.
Beal is arguably a worse defender, and his offensive production is not meeting standards in any aspect.
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