Moving on from KD, Thunder storm ahead with Melo

The Miami Heat have had Jimmy Butler trade discussions with several teams over the last week. One of the interested teams is the Phoenix Suns, but Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause is a sticking point in a possible trade.

For one, Beal has to approve of any deal, or he can use his no-trade clause to block it. The second issue is that Miami doesn’t want to take on Beal, given his no-trade clause would stay intact even after a second trade on the same contract. That means for a trade to happen, a third team likely needs to be involved. And that third team would need to be one that Beal approves of being dealt to.

Beal is owed $50.2 million this season. He has two seasons remaining on his deal beyond this one. Beal will make $53.6 million in 2025-26, followed by a $57.1 million player option in 2026-27.

Chris Haynes reported on Sunday that the Suns will replace Bradley Beal in their starting lineup this week. Rookie Ryan Dunn will take Beal’s place as a starter.