High-end fashion, nightlife, and Jimmy Butler‘s potential trade — the hottest buzz in Miami nowadays. Will he stay with the Heat, or is a move finally on the horizon? As the clock ticks down, the basketball community eagerly waits for the next chapter in the Jimmy Butler saga. After links with multiple franchises, the latest potential suitors are the Phoenix Suns, who seem keen on adding Jimmy to their roster. However, the road to acquiring him isn’t that easy as an obstacle stands in their way.

The topic was discussed in the latest episode of The Hoop Collective podcast. Highlighting Phoenix’s not-so-secret desire, Brian Windhorst stated, “I know that the Suns have interest in Jimmy Butler. This is not a controversial statement.” Indeed, it’s not, but the opposite was. The host also added that the franchise might be willing to give the 35-year his $100 million as well. But it’s not that simple.

Windy pointed out, “So there’s only 3 players the Suns could trade for Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. That’s it.” It was reminded on the podcast that Beal has a no-trade clause in his $251 million contract, which would restrict the franchise from moving him. “That’s the player that you’d want to trade in a vacuum,” Windy said.

Durant is the star player the franchise has no intention of giving up and they also won’t be willing to part ways with their 13th overall 2015 pick, Booker. This leaves them with the 31-year-old swingman, who was added last season to form the Big 3. But he hasn’t been delivering as much as the other two. Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the 15 games he played so far this season. So, making a trade for Beal seems like a more valid option for the Suns. Only the no-trade clause presents a hurdle. However, there is a potential solution to this issue that could allow the Suns to add Jimmy to their squad.

Analyst suggests negotiation strategy for Phoenix to land Jimmy Butler

After outlining the troubles, Windhorst also mentioned a possible solution for both parties. “One is whether Beal would waive his no-trade clause to go to Miami, which when he was in Washington, he’s on the record of saying his preference was to go to Miami,” the 46-year-old analyst said. “And when that happened, the Heat didn’t want him. They were not interested in making a deal with the Wizards. That was 2 years ago.”

The reason the Heat didn’t want Beal in the past was because his agent, Mark Bartelstein, was unwilling to waive the no-trade clause. While the clause has never been waived before, Windhorst is confident it could be done, considering Beal’s interest in moving to the East Coast. He believes no team would entertain the 3-time All-Star’s no-trade clause, which could ultimately work against him.

By convincing Beal to waive the clause, both Miami and Phoenix could find a proper balance. However, given the kind of performance Jimmy Butler is currently showcasing and the rhythm the Heat have found lately, it’s hard to say whether the franchise would be willing to part with him.