Beal sees way clear in 51-point outburst

Jimmy Butler has returned to action with the Miami Heat, but he has “tripled down” on his trade request and there has been some movement in the conversations.

“I’m told 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.

“In the meantime, Jimmy Butler is clocking in. He’s playing basketball. The easiest way to put this is everyone in the building knows exactly what’s up.”

Butler has preferred a trade to the Phoenix Suns, though they have a narrow set of ways available to acquire him.

The Golden State Warriors are pivoting their focus upon a trade with the Miami Heat to acquire Jimmy Butler after talks with the Phoenix Suns on Kevin Durant broke down.

Dennis Schroder became eligible to be aggregated in a trade by the Warriors this week. Schroder is on an expiring contract while also holding value as a rotation player.

Miami has also been discussing a Butler trade with the Suns though that scenario would almost certainly require Kevin Durant to be included. Butler has been attempting to get himself traded to the Suns and has been resistant to any other trade scenario.