The Miami Heat should seek out a player with a skill set similar to Jimmy Butler‘s when it comes to wing or guard swaps. An underperforming Phoenix Suns star, who is expected to move this season, could be part of a three-team trade. That underperforming star could very well be Bradley Beal.
Heat Eyes Possible 3-Team Trade: Butler for $261M Suns Star
The “Third Team” Revealed
A three-team trade involving Butler and Beal could work, as adding a third team can help close the transaction and balance the salary space needs. Since joining the Heat in 2019, Butler has been Miami’s centerpiece, leading them to two NBA Finals trips and numerous deep playoff runs. However, Pat Riley and the front office staff will consider daring choices due to the Heat’s previous troubles with Butler’s suspension.
Now, there is one other organization that can help facilitate a three-team deal to complete the Butler trade. Enter: The Washington Wizards.
A “Potential” Three-Team-Swap
Here is a potential trade swap for the Suns, Heat, and Wizards, according to Fadeaway World.
The proposed three-team trade would give the Suns Butler, Josh Richardson, and Richaun Holmes; the Heat Beal, Ryan Dunn, and a 2031 first-round pick swap; and the Wizards Duncan Robinson.
Once the trade is completed, both Miami and Phoenix can become formidable postseason contenders. In addition, this would completely alter the Eastern and Western Conference landscapes.
Bradley Beal’s “Underperforming Production”
Beal has been an above-average NBA scorer for years, according to his career stats, but his play hasn’t translated into any notable postseason success. Similar to Butler, Beal is a skilled mid-range shooter who can enter his shot with ease.
With a 38.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc this season, the former Wizards star is also an underappreciated long-range threat. The Florida product, however, has the clutch gene required to perform well under duress but isn’t an excellent defender.
Beal’s productivity and system fit have raised questions about Phoenix’s ceiling because Devin Booker and Kevin Durant get most of the attention. Relocating to Miami and beginning anew under Erik Spoelstra’s tutelage might revitalize his career.
Additional Thoughts
It seems risky for the Heat to trade Beal for Butler in a three-team trade. Beal is a gifted scorer, but given his recent difficulties in Phoenix, it is unclear how well he fits into Miami’s scheme. Butler has been the cornerstone of the Heat, and his leadership and critical plays have helped them go far in the playoffs.
This potential three-team trade could be worthwhile to investigate, though, if Beal can regain his All-Star status under Erik Spoelstra. The Heat must ultimately assess the risks and make sure that any trade makes them serious competitors in the competitive Eastern Conference.
The Last Word
Even though no agreement has been finalized yet, the possibility of trading for two elite players is exciting. That said, the Heat have good reason to think about acquiring the three-time All-Star. Why, you may ask? Because Beal is among the finest Butler alternatives available on the trade market (if he waives his no-trade clause).
