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The Suns and Jazz executed a seemingly minor trade Tuesday—one that did not involve a single player—but it could have massive ramifications in Phoenix’s quest to acquire Jimmy Butler.
The Jazz traded three-first round picks to the Suns in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, which, before this trade, was the only first-rounder the Suns were allowed to move. Phoenix received first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029, according to multiple reports.
However, the three picks the Suns received are expected to fall toward the end of the draft. The 2025 pick will be the least-favorable pick between the Timberwolves and Cavaliers (who currently hold the league’s best record), while the 2027 and 2029 picks will be the least favorable of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz.
While the Suns are risking an unprotected 2031 pick that could fall at the top of the draft, they have more flexibility in the short term to make trades. According to The Athletic, Phoenix, the team with the league’s highest payroll, is now free from the Stepein Rule, which bans teams from dealing a first-round draft pick in consecutive drafts, for the next six drafts.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, who was the GM of the Nets when they traded future assets for aging stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, said the Suns’ move showcases a team willing to mortgage their future to win now.
“If you think Phoenix is not all in and they’re going to pivot away from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, you are wrong. This trade just rubber stamps it that Phoenix is in business to try to go swing for the fences,” Marks said.
The Athletic also reported that there’s “rising optimism” Butler could be moved to Phoenix following this deal. The Suns can use these picks to entice the Heat to take on the remainder of Bradley Beal’s contract (about $161 million for three years) or make more moves to entice a third or fourth team. The Suns can also now attach a late first-round pick to Jusuf Nurkić and see whether a team is willing to eat the remaining two years and $37.5 million in his deal.
On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Heat had suspended Butler for two more games, shortly after he returned from a seven-game team suspension. The report indicated that Butler missed a team flight.
But the biggest hurdle for this trade remains the same. Even if the teams find a deal that satisfies all parties, the Suns still need to convince Beal to waive his no-trade clause.
