Suns should be ecstatic to hear latest Jimmy Butler rumors

The Jimmy Butler saga continues to rumble on in Miami, although the Phoenix Suns cannot use that distraction as an excuse for a season that continues to go sideways. Although they have been consistently linked with Butler from the off - despite the many obstacles to making that a reality - that doesn't excuse losing to the Charlotte Hornets, as they did earlier this week.

Bringing Bradley Beal off the bench was a positive first step for the Suns in trying to save their season, but it brought with it new problems which do not look easy to solve. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Suns are trying to force Beal out of town to make that issue go away - but with a no-trade clause - it remains to be seen how that will actually happen.

The latest from Butler's camp is hugely positive for the Suns.

Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes has already broken the news that teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies - who got name-checked and appeared to catch strays for no reason - should not even attempt to trade for Butler. He doesn't want to go there, and will skip town as soon as he is able to this offseason.

But we have now reached a point where credible sources around the Suns are confidently saying that Butler only wants to go to Phoenix. There are other major stumbling blocks to this happening, although it looks like the Suns are now trying to do their part in making Beal feel like he is no longer part of the big picture plans for the franchise.

Before trying to find a way around Beal's no-trade clause, let's look at the positives here. We've seen enough star players actually force their way to their desired location in the past to know that we shouldn't be surprised if that's what ultimately happens here. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement and introduction makes it as hard as ever, but not impossible.

Suns' owner Mat Ishbia is rumored to be willing to pay Butler whatever he wants to stick around - which tracks with his ownership style to this point - which makes Phoenix a more appealing destination than most. Getting a massive payday at 35-years-old while hooping next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant? All while an hour from L.A. and Vegas? There are worse ways to make a living.

So from that perspective this trade looks doable, the main sticking point is the Heat don't want Beal and he's unlikely to waive that no-trade clause to go to many other locations. The Los Angeles Lakers were spoken about - through unfounded rumors as well it is important to note - as a place Beal would like to go. Making that happen is incredibly difficult however.

But with time running out on the Heat's seven-game team suspension they imposed on Butler, they are on the clock to get a deal done. Both player and team don't want to continue together - and with the list of trade partners getting shorter by the day - the Suns appear to be the last ones out there on the dance floor for the Heat to do a deal with. Even if that is super risky for both parties.