The Phoenix Suns draft-pick trade with the Utah Jazz appears to be about stocking up draft capital to swing a deal for Jimmy Butler. The Suns now appear to have the capital to entice other teams to take on contracts in a deal to acquire Butler from the Miami Heat.
One of those players is likely to be Bradley Beal. However, the Suns reportedly still haven’t talked with Beal about any trade possibilities. The veteran guard has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any trade that sends him away from Phoenix.
Phoenix is expected to have to attach a draft pick or two to get a team to take on the $110 million owed to Beal for the next two seasons after this one. In addition, the Suns could use a now-tradable third pick to incentivize a team to eat the $19 million owed to Jusuf Nurkic for the 2025-26 season.