With a first round exit last year and ranked eleventh in the West this season, its safe to say that the Suns’ Bradley Beal experiment has not paid off. That’s why they seem desperate to shop away the star guard via a trade. Their rumored target? Jimmy Butler. However, while Mat Ishbia might be open to that exchange, the Heat do not seem intrigued by the idea of acquiring the $250 million star.

As per veteran insider Evan Sidery, the Heat have ‘no interest’ in acquiring Beal in a trade involving Butler. Moreover, this is not the first time! Even last year, Pat Riley was against pursuing the former Wizards superstar.

Adding to the concerns, Beal has the power to deny any trade he is in because of the full no-trade clause in his contract. So, if the Suns hope to get their hands on Butler, they will have to convince Beal to waive that clause and agree to a trade to a destination other than Miami.

Well, there could be several reasons behind Heat’s reluctance. Obviously, the first one is Beal’s $161 million pending salary for the next three years and the no-trade clause, which would make it difficult for Riley to get rid of him if things don’t work out. Then, the second reason could be his constant injury woes. Since joining the Suns, Beal has frequently been out with back, knee, calf, and other issues. Yes, he is averaging 18.2 points and over three assists. But that’s of no use if he cannot stay healthy and available. Meanwhile, Butler is a far more reliable superstar, who has proven himself in big-game situations by leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances. So, the Butler-Beal exchange makes little sense for the Heat.

Bradley Beal not paying attention to trade rumors while Jimmy Butler eyes win-now contenders

Amid the trade buzz, Beal seems unfazed by the possibility of getting traded as he recently said, “The same thing until one of them comes and says something to me and talks to me. It’s just out there. I’m a Phoenix Sun and I’m here and I’m in a uniform, but I don’t pay attention to that, man. They did that with me for 10 years.” Yes, during his eleven years in Washington, he was a constant target for trade speculations. So, the rumors do not worry him until he hears something concrete from the involved parties.

Moreover, if Beal does not agree to waive his no-trade clause, the Suns would not have any other asset to offer the Heat, leading to a failed Butler pursuit. That’s because the Heat is willing to keep Butler in the roster unless he becomes a distraction or they receive a hugely attractive offer. Meanwhile, Jimmy in case of a trade, is reportedly looking to join a team that can win now. Therefore, the Heat’s lack of interest in Beal could halt Butler’s trade process entirely due to the lack of intriguing offers.