It took one Play-In game for disastrous Suns trade to look even worse

Some Phoenix Suns fans had their fingers crossed, hoping for a Play-In Tournament spot, while others wanted the season to end at 82 games. The Suns couldn't capitalize on the Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers or Dallas' injuries. Phoenix finished the regular season as the eleventh seed in the West, three games back from the tenth seed.

It seemed like maybe the Suns would turn their season around with a pre-deadline trade, but the one they wanted to make never happened. Phoenix wanted Jimmy Butler, and he wanted to be in the desert. However, Bradley Beal didn't want to leave the desert, refusing to waive his no-trade clause.

The Suns traded for Beal in the 2023 offseason, taking on his inflated contract in the process. He made $50.2 million this season, will make $53.7 million next season, and has a $57.1 million player option for 2026-27 that he'll almost certainly exercise. His production in Phoenix hasn't come close to matching his salary.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Monday that the Suns fired Mike Budenholzer. The NBA insider added that Phoenix is expected to engage in trade conversations regarding Kevin Durant (not surprising) and "have discussions on the future of Beal."

Trading him will be challenging because of his no-trade clause, and waiving him would mean Phoenix would have to eat the remaining cost on his contract. The Suns could buy him out and waive him, but Beal would have to agree to it first, which would mean losing money on his end. In case it isn't apparent, Phoenix is stuck.

There were mixed reviews from the fan base about trading for Butler, but there's no question that having him in Phoenix would be a major upgrade over Beal.

Jimmy Butler drops 38 points to lead Warriors past Play-In Tournament

Golden State swooped in and traded for Butler before the deadline after Durant trade discussions went cold with Phoenix. The Warriors signed him to an extension before he played in his first game; a decision that has aged well so far.

Things in San Francisco went from looking dire to bright after acquiring Butler. He was the missing piece that Golden State didn't know it needed.

The Warriors' regular season came down to game 82 on Sunday. Beating the Clippers would've resulted in a playoff berth for Golden State, but LA won in overtime, 124-119. The Warriors hosted the Grizzlies as part of the Play-In on Tuesday after going 0-3 in the tournament the past few years, but that was pre-Jimmy Butler.

He finished with 38 points (12-of-20), seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals in Golden State's 121-116 win. Warriors fans saw Playoff (Play-In) Jimmy earlier than they wanted to, but they didn't complain.

You can't assume that Butler would be having the same amount of success in Phoenix that he's having in the Bay, but it's hard not to think about what might've been. Imagine him and Durant or Devin Booker teaming up to combine for 75 points in a high-stakes game.

Instead, fans are faced with the reality of the Suns organization, which isn't pretty.