NBA Trade Rumors: Heat could shoot down 1 contender from Jimmy Butler's wishlist, refuse $50.2M star in return

The latest NBA trade rumors circling the hottest commodity in the market, Jimmy Butler, suggest the Miami Heat will shoot down one of his favored landing spots. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Heat won't engage in a direct trade with the Phoenix Suns because they have 'no desire' to take Bradley Beal's $50.2 million salary in exchange.

If the Suns are hellbent on the deal, they will have to look at a third team to re-route Beal. It was going to be a complicated deal, even if the Heat wanted the three-time All-Star. Miami can't take back more salary as it is an apron team. Another situation the Suns would have to deal with is making Beal waive his no-trade clause. He has the power to veto a move per his contract.

Beal is also owed a guaranteed $53.6 million next season and has a player option worth $57.1 million in 2026-27. Beal, 31, is nowhere close to his peak potential after dealing with multiple injury-prone seasons since 2021-22. He hasn't played more than 53 games in the four seasons since.

He's averaging 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 48.9%, including 38.6% from 3 and a career-low 76.0% from the free-throw line. Bradley Beal won't move the needle for the Heat, especially with how their roster would look after shedding more salary to acquire him.

They are better off with Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier backcourt, which has gelled well this year. Herro is having a breakout season, averaging 24.1 ppg and 5.1 apg on 47.8/41.0/85.3 splits and is a better player than Beal at the moment.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler could be moved sooner than later

The Miami Heat could get rid of Jimmy Butler sooner than expected. A couple of weeks after Pat Riley ruled out a trade for the superstar, his explosive interview on Thursday has changed things in the Heat camp. Butler shockingly said he's not enjoying playing in Miami after back-to-back nine-point outings following a five-game absence, citing an unknown illness.

On Friday, the Heat suspended him for seven games and revealed Jimmy Butler and his agent, Bernie Lee, demanded a trade. The Heat are fielding offers. According to insider Shams Charania, the Heat are expected to trade the six-time All-Star as soon as possible.