NBA Trade Rumors: Suns set timeline to pursue Jimmy Butler as 3rd star with KD & Devin Booker

The Phoenix Suns were rumored to be one of the teams interested in trading for All-Star forward Jimmy Butler. While Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has already denied the claims about the matter, the talks about his client and the Suns still stand. On Friday, radio host John Gambadoro addressed the organization's timeline for when they'll move for Butler.

According to Gambadoro, the Suns are still interested in trading for the Miami Heat star. The organization has fallen to the eighth place in the Western Conference. However, Phoenix wants to see how well their current roster could develop chemistry before they make a massive change.

"The Suns are going to wait until mid-January before deciding on whether to further pursue Jimmy Butler, per @Gambo987," Evan Sidery posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Phoenix is tied for 8th in the Western Conference standings, but they want to see how their roster further jells together before making an aggressive trade," Sidery added.

The Suns started strong in the 2024-25 NBA season. However, injuries to forward Kevin Durant caused them to underperform and struggle.

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Former NBA player claims Jimmy Butler will end up in Phoenix

The Suns aren't the only team rumored to make a move for Butler ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets were linked to the Heat forward as a potential trade destination. However, many believe that Phoenix is the leading candidate to land the six-time All-Star.

On Thursday, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins doubled down on the Suns being Butler's landing spot this season. Perkins talked about it during his appearance at "Road Trippin'."

“Phoenix,” Perkins said (at 38:02), adding, “Jimmy Butler, if I had to predict anything will end up in Phoenix. Kevin Durant, from what I’m hearing, wants him there. They want Butler in Phoenix."

His co-host at the show, 2016 NBA champion Channing Frye, isn't convinced Butler will get traded to the team. Frye asked Perkins who the team would give up to acquire the Heat star.

“For who?” Frye asked. “Bradley Beal? Hell no. You have Tyler Herro, it’s the same player but older and more expensive. No. It doesn’t do anything for your team.”

Bradley Beal is one of the Phoenix studs rumored to be traded for Butler. Beal's performance this season has been comparable to that of his 2023-24 campaign. Through 16 games played, the Suns guard has averaged 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists.