The Phoenix Suns want to improve their roster before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. It is no secret they are pursuing Jimmy Butler, but making that deal is complicated. The Suns would have to convince Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause and trade all their draft capital to make things work. Owner Mat Ishbia is never afraid to go all-in, even if it hurts their franchise, but this could quickly become problematic.
Butler has been suspended three times by the Heat this season, and it is not his first dust-up with his franchise. The six-time All-Star forced his way out of Chicago and Minnesota. The Sixers moved on from him after just 55 games. Butler helped the Heat reach two NBA Finals since 2020, but it has not stopped him from creating plenty of chaos.
Things in Phoenix are already messy, and the Suns have a glaring weakness. Butler does not solve it, and he could quickly ask out if the franchise is disappointing. The Suns do not need to add more risk. Instead, they should focus on a problem they know exists.
Suns should focus on finding a rim protector over trading for Jimmy Butler
Phoenix traded their 2031 first-round draft pick to get three firsts. It created some needed flexibility for the Suns to make a move. They are over the second tax apron and face significant trade restrictions. The franchise needed more assets to send pieces in multiple directions.
The Suns traded for Nick Richards, who has made an instant impact. Phoenix has won four of five with a strong rebounder in the middle. They lack size with their Big 3 and Tyus Jones sharing the floor. Those are the Suns' four best players, but the group needs a rim-protector at the five. Richards is not the perfect fit and has never played more than 26.3 minutes per game.
They need a standout starting center capable of controlling the paint and anchoring their defense. Fans saw the rival Mavericks' additions of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II take them from missing the playoffs to the NBA Finals last season. If Phoenix could get a Myles Turner or Brook Lopez, they would be in a significantly better position to make a deep playoff run.
Ishbia wants to make the splashy move that everyone is talking about, but that has not worked for the Suns. Those transactions put them in this position. They must fill a glaring weakness over adding another star.
Acquiring a starting center to pair with Nick Richards would give Phoenix 48 minutes of reliable production at the five. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Tyus Jones will give them steady production and massive minutes in the postseason. They would be a much more dangerous opponent with two superstars capable of taking over a series.
Mat Ishbia will be star-chasing, and it likely won’t work out. The Phoenix Suns must make the wise move over the flashy one if they want to be a title contender. Fans should not get their hopes up, but anything is possible.