Ever since Jimmy Butler demanded a trade from Miami, there have been speculations about him joining the Suns. And Kendrick Perkins fueled those rumors by claiming that “Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler!” which is why the Suns are reportedly willing to offer him a two-year $121 million extension. As promising as it sounds, the deal might be nearly impossible to pull off!

Highlighting the issue on NBA TV, a veteran TNT analyst said, “By the way, Phoenix Suns have the highest payroll in the league. There are a lot of restrictions on what they can take back financially and what kind of trades they can make. So, this is very tough for the Phoenix Suns.” Yes, Mat Ishbia’s franchise has total cap allocations of over $234 million in salary because of their stacked roster, which puts them over the second tax apron.

That means they cannot make a trade where they take back more than the outgoing salary. And Butler is owed $48.7 million this season, which makes acquiring him extremely difficult. Sure, this problem can be solved by sending Bradley Beal to the Heat in exchange for Butler, because Brad is making $50.2 million this year. Unfortunately, that move also comes with its set of challenges. The analyst remarked, “Bradley Beal has a no trade clause. He controls everything and just say ‘I don’t wanna go there’ and that’s it.”

Yes, Beal has the power to decide his future because of his no-trade clause. And the Suns are helpless until the star guard decides to waive it and agree to leaving Phoenix. Moreover, even if Beal gets on board, Pat Riley has hinted that he has no interest in acquiring him, mainly because of the two years left on his deal and his injury prone nature. Of course, co-host Dennis Scott was also not in favor of Butler moving to Phoenix.

Dennis Scott ‘Doesn’t Like’ Jimmy Butler joining forces with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker

As per Big Perk, adding Butler would motivate KD to sign a long-term extension and solidify his future with the Suns. The two stars share a solid bond and were even Team USA teammates during the Rio Olympics, where they won a gold medal together. And Perkins is counting on that friendship to facilitate this trade.

However, NBA legend Dennis Scott is not too thrilled about the idea, “KD, how you left Steph to go be with Kyrie and now you’re there and now you wanna bring Jimmy into this for Book. I don’t like it at all. I don’t like Jimmy Butler around Booker and KD at all if I’m being a 100% honest.” Yes, Durant has not had much playoff success since leaving the Warriors despite being a part of multiple ‘Super Teams.’ And if the trio with Beal also ends in failure, it will only add a stain on Durant’s legacy.

Meanwhile, Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, has hinted that his client might be in no mood of waiving his no-trade clause, “There have been no discussions about trades with the Suns or any other team. Bradley’s total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around.” Obviously, these issues make Butler’s trade to Phoenix a far-fetched idea. But there is still a chance of it happening if the Suns can maneuver a three-team trade or convince Pat Riley to take the Beal offer. Do you think the Suns can pull it off regardless of the restrictions?