The Phoenix Suns might have their sights set on Jimmy Butler, but they’ve hit a snag—lack of draft capital. With few picks left to trade, their options for pulling off a blockbuster deal look slim. So what do they do? Acquire draft picks. And they have done just that. Butler has been the heart and soul of the Miami Heat since 2019, but let’s be real—this season’s been rough.

At 35, and with a history of injuries that reads like a laundry list, it’s no surprise his numbers have dipped. He’s averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 22 games. Those are solid stats for most players but for Jimmy? It’s definitely below his usual standards.

Shams Charania from ESPN dropped the news: the Hornets and Suns are swapping players and picks in a deal that’s got layers. Literally. Charlotte is sending Nick Richards and one second-rounder to Phoenix. In return, they’re getting Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. Here’s where it gets wild—Charlotte lands Denver’s 2026 and 2031 second-rounders, plus Phoenix’s 2031 pick. On the flip side, the Suns snag Denver’s 2025 second-rounder. It’s a lot to unpack, right?

Bobby Marks from ESPN pointed out that Phoenix now only has two tradable picks left: their 2031 first-rounder and Denver’s 2025 second-rounder. Will it be enough for Butler? According to Marks, the Hornets used Nick Richards’ $5M salary, along with the Expanded Traded Player Exception (200% + $250K), to absorb Josh Okogie’s $8.2M contract. For teams above the salary cap apron, matching salaries isn’t a requirement if they’re taking back less money overall.

Phoenix managed to cut their luxury tax bill significantly, shaving it down from $184.2M to $164.3M—a solid $20M saved. Even though they’re stuck above the second apron, they pulled off, creating a $3.2M trade exception. All things point that the Suns may soon make a move for Butler.

Meanwhile, the Heat aren’t satisfied with just a 7 game suspension!

The Miami Heat want to punish Jimmy Butler further

The Miami Heat are in a tough spot with Jimmy Butler. NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that the team actually considered changing the reason for Butler’s suspension. Originally, it was for conduct detrimental to the team, but they thought about calling it “refusing to provide services.” If they had done that, Butler’s fines would’ve straightaway doubled. It’s a bold move, and the fact they even thought about it raises questions about how bad things really are between Butler and the Heat.

Butler’s performance before the suspension wasn’t great. He missed 5 games in December for an undisclosed illness, and after returning, he scored just 18 points over 2 games. After a loss to the Pacers, he said he had lost his “joy” for basketball.

That’s a red flag if you ask me.

The Heat weren’t the only ones to take action in these situations. Think back to 2021-22, when the Sixers did the same with Ben Simmons, who refused to show up for games and practices. If Miami had labeled Butler’s absence as “refusing to provide services,” they’d have to show evidence he was skipping work entirely.

But Butler’s frustration with the Heat goes beyond his suspension. ESPN’s Charania reported that he asked for a trade after feeling disrespected by team officials accusing him of not giving his all in a win over the Pelicans.

If the Miami Heat were considering this new suspension label, it’s clear Jimmy Butler’s relationship with the team is on shaky ground. Or even worse. What do you think?