Tragedy strikes the Heat! Well, they have had an up and down season so far and currently rank sixth in the East. Amid their shaky start, there have been murmurs about a potential Jimmy Butler-Bradley Beal exchange for a blockbuster trade. However, recent reports revealed that the Heat had ‘no interest’ in acquiring Beal in a trade involving Butler. But a tragic injury to their star guard Dru Smith might have made Pat Riley and Co. reconsider their options.

Yes, as per veteran insider Shams Charania, Dru has suffered a season ending torn Achilles tendon. That’s heartbreaking news considering the guard was having a solid year, averaging a career-high 6.3 points and nearly three rebounds. Moreover, he had recovered from a torn ACL only a year ago and was closing in on a standard NBA contract. But those dreams might get shattered or at least delayed with his unfortunate injury.

As for the Heat, they might be reconsidering their reported disinterest in Bradley Beal amid injury to their 26-year-old rotation guard. Well, the Suns have been active in their pursuit for Butler. And Dru’s injury could motivate Pat Riley to make that deal as Beal could fill that position. However, even if the two teams agree, the power to make the decision will lie with Beal because of the full no-trade clause in his contract. Moreover, it would be in the Heat’s best interest that Beal lets go of that clause from his contract if he chooses to move to Miami.

As of now, Beal and Butler are putting up similar numbers with the Suns star averaging 18.4 points and Jimmy just .1 more. So, there is not much separating them at least at this point. Additionally, the Suns are also starting to get desperate.

Jimmy Butler not the only star the Suns are after

After a solid start to the year, the Suns season has gone downhill and they are now ranked eleventh in the West. In hopes of getting back to title contention, they are pursuing multiple stars. And Jimmy is only one piece of the puzzle. As per reports, Mat Ishbia is also actively looking to trade big man Jusuf Nurkic for an upgrade. Well, Nurkic is having an underwhelming season, averaging only 9.1 points and less than ten rebounds.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer even said, “We’re a long ways away from where we need to be.” As of now, the Suns do not have an elite Center, with Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro playing as backups to Nurk. That’s why they are reportedly seeking either Nikola Vucevic or Jonas Valanciunas in a potential trade. Obviously, Vucevic has been in trade rumors for a long time and he is averaging 20.7 points and nearly ten rebounds. Meanwhile, Jonas is also an elite big with decent scoring potential. Getting either big man in exchange for Nurkic would be an upgrade for the Suns.

If somehow they are able to pull off the Butler-Beal exchange and the Nurkic trade, the Suns could make an immediate leap to becoming title contenders. Do you agree?