If there's one pronounced player on the trade block, it's disgruntled Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. The 35-year-old has now been suspended three times in January. The first time was for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team, the second was for two games for missing a team flight, and most recently, indefinitely for walking out of practice after being told he was no longer a starter.
After his trade request was adamantly denied by Pat Riley a month ago, the six-time All-Star has done everything possible to force his way out of Miami. There seems to be no way of repairing the now-tarnished relationship between Butler and the Heat.
While Butler's actions have directly affected the Heat, they've also rippled through the rest of the NBA. Firstly, numerous teams have inquired about acquiring the star forward, including the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Second, several teams have since been revealed as willing facilitators. These teams, such as the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards, are all salary cap-rich teams capable of facilitation as a third party.
The prolonged Jimmy Butler trade saga has the league at a standstill
Finally, teams like the Chicago Bulls are playing the waiting game, awaiting the Heat and Butler's next move. As the leading domino on the trade block, Butler's fate holds a lot of weight. For example, one of the Heat forward's suitors, the Suns, added three first-round picks to increase trade leverage—most likely with Butler in mind. However, these recently acquired picks could be used elsewhere if Phoenix loses the Butler sweepstakes.
Furthermore, the Bulls roster two coveted players on the trade block, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. While the former is assumed to remain in the Windy City through the deadline, there's no telling what might come to fruition over the next nine days. LaVine was recently linked to Phoenix in a proposed swap that would send Bradley Beal and draft compensation to Chicago. Ultimately, it was reported that Beal would not waive his no-trade clause if he were to be sent to the Bulls.
With Beal apparently holding out on an opportunity to suit up for the Bulls, the focus goes back to Miami. Would the Heat be content with a return of Beal and draft compensation for Butler's services? While a Butler for Beal swap doesn't work financially (off by $1.4 million), a third team could easily grease the wheels in this hypothetical scenario.
Nevertheless, it all falls back on Miami and their disgruntled star. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times lamented, "Butler carries a lot of weight because that’s the first trade domino that has to fall. That has led to some frustration around the league for teams trying to get non-Butler business done."
This brings us to the understanding that a team like the Suns might be unwilling to further LaVine-for-Beal talks unless a decision of Butler is made. Sure, it's not the end of the world if Chicago doesn't move LaVine ahead of the deadline. He's an All-Star-level talent enjoying an incredible season. But what about Vucevic; what about Lonzo Ball and even Torrey Craig?
Two of the three aforementioned players are potential trade candidates in subsequent deals. If the Suns don't land Butler, is there even a need to address the roster further before the trade deadline passes? We don't know. But we do know using depleting assets to add a player like Craig is not as warranted if the Suns don't land their big fish.