Insider gets honest on Lakers' trade pursuit of Jimmy Butler, stumbling block in Suns move

Jimmy Butler has been at the center of trade rumors over the past month, sparking a social media argument between Butler's agent and NBA insider Shams Charania. Many are trying to determine whether the All-Star forward will be traded in the coming weeks.

Two teams reportedly interested in Butler are the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers. While the Lakers are expected to pursue Butler, the Suns could face a significant obstacle, as insider Brett Siegel pointed out.

In a tweet Saturday afternoon, Siegel highlighted Bradley Beal's no-trade clause as a potential issue in Phoenix’s pursuit of Butler. The Suns are expected to build around Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, making Beal the most logical choice in a trade package for Butler.

However, Beal would have to agree to the trade and waive his no-trade clause for the deal to happen. If Beal declines a move to Miami, Phoenix would need to either involve one of Beal’s preferred destinations in a multi-team trade or keep their core trio of Booker, Beal and Durant intact.

Lakers reportedly cooling off from Butler trade

In a separate report, ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel shared disappointing news for Lakers fans, reporting that LA is unlikely to pursue Jimmy Butler due to the Heat forward’s $48 million cap hit. This makes Phoenix a more viable destination, as Beal and Butler have similar contract structures and salary implications.

Siegel reported that the Lakers aren't expected to "fully pursue Butler" and that a trade for the six-time All-Star is "nothing more than fan fiction."

As the Lakers continue to monitor the trade market, two names have emerged as potential targets: Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas.

On Saturday, Evan Sidery reported that the Lakers have inquired with the Washington Wizards about Brogdon, along with Valanciunas, who the team has been linked to for weeks.