Jimmy Butler facing new obstacle in attempt to leave Heat

Arguably, the biggest story of the NBA season so far has been the drama surrounding Jimmy Butler's situation with the Miami Heat. Given his recent trade request, the rumors have only grown. Now, Butler has reportedly picked his preferred destination, but it seems like it won't be easy for him to be traded there.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), several league sources believe that Butler wishes for a team up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix. With teams like the Grizzlies and Bucks being informed that they should not trade for Butler, the Suns seem like a more realistic destination each day. 

"The Suns are the destination Butler desires on the other side of his standoff with the Heat," Fischer said. "You hear the same sentiment even from executives with teams that have been mentioned as potential Butler suitors."

Both the Suns and Heat have the financial pieces to make a deal for Butler work, and it would likely end with a swap for Bradley Beal. However, Beal's no-trade clause could make a potential deal difficult. 

While some reports have stated that the Heat are a team Beal could waive his clause for, his agent Mark Bartelstein has released a statement. 

"There have been no discussions about trades with the Suns or any other team... Bradley's total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around," Bartelstein told ESPN.

The Suns and Heat are two teams in desperate need of a change before the deadline. Miami is the sixth seed in the East, only one game above .500, and the Suns are currently 12th seed out West. Butler could help reinvent Phoenix on both sides of the ball while getting him out of Miami could kickstart a much-needed rebuild.