According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there aren’t a lot of teams that want to unload their team for him, let alone give Jimmy Butler crazy money on top of it.
However, despite that, the Phoenix Suns are not only ready to trade pieces to get him but are ready to pay him whatever he wants to keep him in Phoenix long-term.
A two-year, $113 million extension is what the Miami Heat did not want to give Butler last offseason. Rumors are circulating that it’s coming down to money, and Mat Ishbia would be more than happy to pay it.
Windhorst says Butler wants to come to Phoenix and join Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro has said Bradley Beal would waive his No-Trade Clause for Miami.
“There’s only one team that’s ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants and that’s the Phoenix Suns.” said Windhorst on First Take on Tuesday.
This season, the 35-year-old superstar is making $49 million. Next season, he will make $52 million if he opts into his player option.
Butler is currently serving a team-imposed seven-game suspension. Both sides will try to get a trade done; if not, Butler will honor his contract and play the remainder of the season.
“We are at a genuine stalemate,” said Windhorst. “I don’t know how it’s going to play out. The Heat are preparing internally for this to last past suspension. Not because they have some sort of sinister motive but because they know what offers they’ve gotten and they stink.”
In 22 games, Butler averages 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.
