NBA Trade Rumors: Heat emerges as hot spot for Khris Middleton amid Miami's search for Jimmy Butler's new home

The Milwaukee Bucks are now open to trading Khris Middleton in the 2024-25 NBA season. As the Feb. 6 trade deadline is nearing, the Bucks are willing to move on from the often-injured veteran star. However, the Miami Heat is the team with the biggest chance to land Middleton via trade this season.

Per Bovada Official, the Heat have the best odds to land the Bucks forward, with a +250 odds, posted on Sunday. Initially, there were reports that Milwaukee would only be willing to trade Middleton if it would lead them to acquire a star like Butler. However, that has changed since his production on the floor has decreased.

Middleton has only appeared in 19 games and didn't make his season debut until the 22nd game of the year. In those games, the three-time All-Star has started seven times and averaged 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

The Heat is exploring options for handling Jimmy Butler's trade request. Butler has made it known that he wants to continue his career with another team, except the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bucks are among the teams linked to Miami's disgruntled star.

However, the Phoenix Suns are the top team rumored to trade for Butler ahead of the deadline. The Suns must move Bradley Beal and his $50 million contract to make the trade work. Additionally, Beal needs to waive his no-trade clause, which is unlikely to happen.

Khris Middleton linked to the Suns in exchange for three-time All-Star

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA game. (Credits: IMAGN)

The current season hasn't been nice to the Bucks, nor Khris Middleton. With the way he has underperformed, there has been some talk that Milwaukee is ready to include him in a deal to give the team help. The Sporting News' Donny Shea proposed that the Wisconsin team trade the 33-year-old to the Suns for 3x All-Star Beal.

Per Shea, it would benefit both teams. The Bucks would get a legitimate third option in Beal, while the Suns would have a deeper bench.

"A swap of the two benched stars could make sense for both teams as the Bucks seek a reliable third-scoring option and the underperforming Suns explore potential upgrades to their rotation," Shea writes. "However, for this deal to occur, Beal would have to unexpectedly waive his no-trade clause.

This will give Phoenix another big who can produce off the bench if the Bucks include Bobby Portis Jr.

"Additionally, for the financials to work on both sides, the Bucks would have to move on from veteran scorer Bobby Portis and others as the restrictions imposed by the second apron limit their flexibility in trade negotiations."

Middleton can be a solid contributor for the Suns and can also focus on getting back on his best shape. With Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the veteran star can take the pressure off himself.