The signs are all beginning to point toward the Phoenix Suns preparing for a blockbuster trade for their frontline target. Jimmy Butler reportedly only wants Phoenix with the feelings being reciprocated. They made a huge development by trading their 2031 first round pick to the Jazz in exchange for three first round picks. That gives them the foundation to facilitate the high-profile trade. However, it’s not possible without some major help.

Notably, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to make the major sacrifices. In a mock trade created by CBS’ San Quinn, the Bucks involvement for the Suns is critical. Notably, the Eastern powerhouse would have to part ways with Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis along with a few different players.

Middleton, who is among the longest tenured players for Milwaukee would land on the Miami Heat alongside Suns’ Ryan Dunn and a 2027 first round pick. Portis and Beauchamp would go to the Pistons and Connaughton to the Raptors. All of these are necessary for the Bucks to offload enough salary to bring in Bradley Beal.

Of course the catch will Beal is his no-trade clause. Since the Heat are rumored to be uninterested in Beal, a straight route for Butler to Phoenix is cut off. However, the Suns guard is willing to waive his right for the right team. In the past, Milwaukee have tried to trade for the dazzling scorer. Hence, such a trade would unite them with another target they have been after for the past few seasons.

It would satisfy all the teams involved. However, the Bucks could potentially spoil the plans and go after another star on their own accord.

The Bucks could chase for Zach Lavine

While trades in the same division are rare, they are possible. The Chicago Bulls aren’t a team looking to compete and have flirted with the possibility of trying to trade Lavine. As per the Athletic, the Bucks are after adding an elite veteran to their team. Aside from Beal, they have recognized the atomic shooting guard as a potential target.

And the report claims the Bucks could look to operate solo with their motives. “Per league sources, the Bucks’ motives would be two-fold: Cut enough salary from their payroll to get under the second apron — the only way the Bucks can legally complete a trade while aggregating contracts — and also add a talented, highly paid player to play next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard,” The Athletic claims.

Likewise, the the Deers can find a way to offload salary and get under the second-apron first, they wouldn’t have a reason to be part of the Suns’ trade for Jimmy Butler. They could accumulate contracts to fit Lavine’s $43 million. And if it comes to preference, they could opt for him over Bradley Beal.

As the third star, Beal hasn’t displayed the ability to fit in well as is proof on the Phoenix Suns. As for Lavine, he is younger and has a lesser salary than that of Beal. The defensive woes remain unaddressed in both cases. Hence, it doesn’t seem like Milwaukee is desperate to improve on that side of the floor through a trade.

The team has been in fine form over the last few weeks. However, the dilemma has been their starters not contributing outside of Lillard and Antetokounmpo. Zach Lavine could prove to be a ravishing contributor as he averaged 23.7 points with Chicago this season.

If you were the Bucks which option would you opt for? Let us know your views in the comments below.