The NBA’s biggest trade drama continues to unfold as Jimmy Butler, the disgruntled Miami Heat star, inches closer to the February 6 deadline. While Butler has made it clear he wants to join the Phoenix Suns, a surprising list of teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, has emerged as potential facilitators in what could be one of the most complex trades in recent memory.
Timberwolves re-enter Butler trade narrative as facilitators
Despite the rocky history between Butler and the Timberwolves, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Minnesota is among a group of teams open to facilitating a deal. This revelation is shocking, given Butler’s tumultuous exit from the franchise during the 2018-19 season, which included a now-infamous practice blow-up where he targeted Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“About half the league has expressed willingness to participate as facilitators in a potential Butler trade,” Stein noted. “This includes the Timberwolves, though they’re not pursuing Butler directly.”
Minnesota’s interest lies in leveraging their cap space and assets to secure favorable returns in a multi-team deal. The Timberwolves, however, have no intention of rekindling their partnership with Butler, opting instead to act as brokers in a transaction that would send the 34-year-old to Phoenix.
Suns emerge as Butler’s dream destination
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Butler is laser-focused on joining the Suns. The All-Star forward reportedly views Phoenix as the ideal landing spot due to their championship-caliber roster led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
“Jimmy’s No. 1 focus is getting traded, preferably to the Phoenix Suns,” Windhorst shared on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “Anything not involving a trade to Phoenix is secondary to him right now.”
To facilitate this move, the Suns would likely need to part with Bradley Beal, whose no-trade clause complicates matters. Beal’s reduced role in Phoenix has raised questions about his long-term fit with the team, potentially paving the way for a blockbuster exchange.
Raptors insert themselves into Butler sweepstakes as deal facilitators
The Toronto Raptors, a franchise in the midst of a rebuild, have also entered the Butler trade saga—but not as a direct suitor. Instead, Toronto is reportedly offering its services as a third or fourth team to help execute a multi-team deal. Raptors executives Bobby Webster and Masai Ujiri are eyeing potential assets that could accelerate their rebuild.
“Toronto doesn’t want Butler,” Doug Smith of The Toronto Star wrote. “But they’re eager to be facilitators—and benefactors—in what ultimately happens with him.”
The Raptors’ involvement could allow them to extract valuable assets like draft picks or young players, aligning with their rebuild around Scottie Barnes and R.J. Barrett.
Butler’s fallout with Miami and what’s next
Butler’s desire to leave Miami comes on the heels of a seven-game suspension after expressing that playing for the Heat had “ruined his joy for the game.” Miami, currently fighting for a playoff spot, faces immense pressure to resolve the situation quickly. Heat President Pat Riley’s reluctance to extend Butler’s contract has further strained the relationship, making a trade almost inevitable.
What’s at stake?
With multiple teams jostling to play a role in this blockbuster trade, the outcome of Butler’s saga could significantly alter the NBA landscape. The Suns, Timberwolves, and Raptors all have something to gain, whether it’s championship aspirations or valuable rebuilding pieces.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Miami to see if they can orchestrate the complex deal that sends Butler westward.