Lakers, Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma & More

There is a buzz around the NBA at the moment with the trade deadline not too far away, so let’s take a look at the latest news.

SUNS MAKING MOVES

The Suns have traded their unprotected 2031 first round pick to the Jazz for three future first round picks, Shams Charania reports.

The Suns will acquire the least favorable first round picks between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, the least favorable between the Cavaliers, Wolves and Jazz in 2027, as well as the least favorable selection between the Cavaliers, Wolves and Jazz in 2029.

These picks Phoenix got can also be traded immediately and mean the franchise have tripled their available first round picks to trade.

All signs point to Jimmy.

Shams also reported today that the “Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week. This is a big number to move. $49 million on his contract this year. $52 million player option for the offseason. So whatever deal ends up happening, whether it’s just a two-team trade, three-team trade, four-team trade… Really everything is a possibility.”

Forbes’ Evan Sidery is reporting, “There’s some buzz building around a potential Jimmy Butler trade framework including the Heat, Suns, Bucks and a facilitating fourth team.

“Phoenix would receive Jimmy Butler. Milwaukee would receive Bradley Beal. Miami would receive Khris Middleton. Facilitator takes on salary.”

BEAL COULD WAIVE NO-TRADE CLAUSE

Another complicated part of the Butler situation is Beal’s huge contract and no-trade clause, but The Athletic reports that he might waive it, for the right team.

“He would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right destination, according to a source familiar with his thinking. But as of now, management hasn’t gauged whether he wants out — and if so, to where?,” Fred Katz, reports.

The Bucks is one destination where Beal would waive his no trade clause, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro says. 

LAKERS WON’T MAKE BIG SPLASH

Much to the disappointment of Lakers fans, it looks as thought the trade deadline will once again not be very fruitful, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reports.

“The sense around the league, when talking to rival scouts and front-office personnel, is that standing pat or making a half-measure trade (likely one or two second-round picks) is more likely than the Lakers going all-in and trading both of their future first-round picks that can be moved,” Buha said. 

Looks as though the purple and gold will keep bumbling along with their 22-18 record on the season.

KYLE KUZMA ON THE MOVE?

After lat year’s trade deadline, Kyle Kuzma revealed that he turned down an offer to be traded to the Mavericks because he didn’t see them as a championship contender, but that year they made it to the NBA Finals.

It appears as though Kuz is a little more open to being moved at the deadline this year.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Kuzma said, via The Athletic. “I don’t know. I didn’t think last year was the right time after signing the deal. That was kind of more of a last-year thing. I haven’t had conversations [with Wizards management]. I haven’t even talked about the deadline, haven’t talked about being traded. So, this is really the first time I’m really talking about it.”

READ MORE: ‘Everything Else Secondary’ to Jimmy Butler Over Getting Traded