Heat Eye After Jimmy Butler Departure
Following the reported departure of Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat are emerging as a possible destination for three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal if he parts ways with the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM host John Gambodoro believes there is no chance Beal returns to the Suns next season. Speaking on the “Burns and Gambo” show on April 13, Gambodoro stated, “There’s a zero percent chance that Bradley Beal comes back,” emphasizing that he doesn’t make such predictions lightly.
Beal is still under contract for two more years, with $111 million remaining on his five-year, $251 million deal. The Suns reportedly explored a trade involving Beal for Jimmy Butler this past season, but Beal’s no-trade clause and the Heat’s reluctance to part with Butler prevented a deal. Eventually, Butler was linked to a trade with the Golden State Warriors instead.
Gambodoro believes a trade involving Beal remains highly unlikely, suggesting the Suns might explore a buyout. However, such a move is complicated by the substantial money still owed to him. Despite the financial complications, Beal remains a valuable player who didn’t mesh well alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Despite his fit issues in Phoenix, Beal averaged 17 points on efficient 50/39/80 shooting splits, along with 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 32.1 minutes per game. Gambodoro noted that Beal could be a solid addition for teams if he’s bought out and signs for $15–20 million annually. He cited Miami, Denver, Golden State, and San Antonio as potential suitors, depending on coaching and cap space.
Previously, Miami had little interest in trading for Beal due to his massive contract and no-trade clause, according to ESPN. But that could change if Beal becomes a free agent and agrees to a more team-friendly deal.
Beal was reportedly interested in joining Miami before his trade to Phoenix. During the 2023 offseason, he listed the Heat as his preferred destination after the Washington Wizards opted to move him. However, the Heat pursued Damian Lillard instead, who eventually landed in Milwaukee. Beal later revealed that the size of his contract was a major hurdle in trade talks, despite interest from several teams, including the Knicks and Sacramento Kings.
Now, with a potential buyout looming, the door could reopen for Beal and Miami.
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