The Phoenix Suns, loading up on draft picks perhaps with an eye toward a trade, sent their 2031 first-rounder to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in exchange for three first-round picks.
In 2025, Phoenix will receive the least favorable of the selections of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah, with the Jazz’s pick protected. In 2027, Phoenix gets the least favorable of the slots of the same three teams, and the same applies in 2029, though the Timberwolves’ pick is protected that year.
The Suns’ selection this year figures to be the one that originally belonged to the Cavaliers, who own the best record in the NBA.
According to multiple media outlets, the Suns made the move with an eye toward acquiring disgruntled star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. Butler recently completed a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, and he hasn’t backed down from expressing his desire to exit Miami.
A potential deal between the clubs likely would see Bradley Beal leave Phoenix, probably to a third team, according to The Athletic. However, Beal owns a no-trade clause that could thwart any possible swap.
For the Jazz, the three-for-one trade indicates Utah believes Phoenix’s 2031 pick will be high enough in the order to be more valuable than likely low first-round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029.
