The Phoenix Suns, whose name has been frequently associated with a potential trade for Jimmy Butler, are facing limitations in their trade assets, particularly regarding draft picks. Recently, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Suns' acquisition of center Nick Richards and a second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets, in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. This transaction has notably reduced the Suns' flexibility in the trade market.

As a result of this move, ESPN's Bobby Marks highlighted that the Suns currently possess only their own first-round pick from 2031 and a second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in 2025 that could be leveraged in future deals. This scarcity of appealing trade assets is expected to complicate the Suns' efforts to acquire a player of Butler's caliber. Nevertheless, the notion of Phoenix pursuing the six-time All-Star is not a recent development, with NBA insider Jake Fischer previously indicating that Butler sees Phoenix as a preferred destination amid his unresolved situation with the Miami Heat.

Additionally, NBA insider Marc Stein has previously reiterated that the Suns are widely regarded as a leading contender to negotiate a trade for Butler. However, Stein also pointed out that Miami may not be inclined to entertain offers centered around the 2031 first-round pick and Bradley Beal—especially since such a move would necessitate Beal waiving his no-trade clause. Thus, orchestrating a trade for Butler poses significant challenges for the Suns, even as they welcome the contributions of Richards, who is currently averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 56.1 percent from the field this season.