The Phoenix Suns have made a trade. No, not that trade. Jimmy Butler remains a member of the Miami Heat for the time being, but even as the Suns continue to try to pry him away, they have managed to make a deal of another sort by acquiring Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards along with a 2025 Denver Nuggets second-round pick for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks: two from the Nuggets (2026 and 2031) along with a Suns original (2031).

The Charlotte Hornets traded backup center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks on Wednesday night

There are a number of obstacles that need to be overcome for Butler to be wearing a Suns jersey before season's end. For starters, Miami Heat president Pat Riley would likely need to loosen up just a touch. However, it extends much further than that.

Up to the year 2031, the Phoenix Suns have just two draft picks that can be traded since they mortgaged their future by shipping the rest away for players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and others.

ESPN insider reports that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is open to be the third option behind Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns.