Unless there is a sudden change on the trade market, the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are headed to a continuation of their partnership when his seven-game suspension concludes. Both Butler and the Heat are interested in a trade, but there are a dearth of offers that the front office will entertain.
"From my discussions, I don't think the Heat have any traction," said Brian Windhorst. "I don't think there's any deal that they like. I don't think there are many teams that are offering anything they consider, any actionable thing.
"I think the Heat are preparing for a future with Jimmy Butler back on the roster. We'll see if that can get worked out because he's in the midst of a seven-game suspension."
The Phoenix Suns appear to be the team most motivated to acquire Butler, but it would require Bradley Beal waiving his no-trade clause and a team willing to acquire him. Miami is believed to consider trading for Beal a non-starter.
Butler can become a free agent in the offseason if he declines his $52.4 million player option.