Looking for ways to improve their roster ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz for a first-round pick. .
Phoenix, whose roster includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, sits in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 21-21 record. They are competing with eight other teams for a spot in the postseason, whether it’s a play-in game or a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.
By acquiring three first-round picks, the Suns now have a first-round pick that they can immediately trade. Before this trade, the only first-round pick Phoenix could trade was a 2031 first-round pick. That’s because NBA rules prevent teams from going consecutive seasons without a first-round pick.
According to ESPN, the Suns will acquire first-rounders from Utah in 2025, 2027, and 2029 to expand their chances in a trade for a star player like Jimmy Butler or another player that could strengthen Phoenix’s roster. It can be used for. Suns owner Matt Ishbia is eager to compete for titles with Durant and Booker and is willing to spend money to make that happen.
ESPN first reported the details of the trade.
What draft picks did the Phoenix Suns acquire?
The Suns acquired three draft picks from the Utah Jazz. Here are the details:
2025 Most Unfavorable First Round Pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah (Protected)) 2027 Most Unfavorable First Round Pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah) 2029 Most Unfavorable First Round Pick ( Cleveland, Minnesota (Protect) or Utah)
How the Phoenix Suns could trade Jimmy Butler
A deal for Butler’s job will likely involve multiple teams. A person familiar with the Suns-Jazz deal told USA TODAY Sports that this is the beginning of the process of sending Butler to Phoenix, and that the Suns could sign Butler to a longer-term deal if he becomes a free agent this summer. suggested it was high. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about Phoenix’s intentions.
Beal’s contract has a no-trade clause, limiting Phoenix’s ability to trade him. But if Beal waives his no-trade clause, even if it means inheriting the two years and $110.7 million left on Beal’s contract after this season, Phoenix could make a deal more favorable to other teams. You can get draft funds to make a deal.
One team to watch in this development is the Milwaukee Bucks, who are scouring the market for help around them. As USA TODAY Sports pointed out in an article about a possible trade, it would make sense for Zach LaVine to go to the Bucks, who are interested in the Chicago Bulls guard who is having a great shooting season. It shows.
If Beal waives his no-trade clause to go to Milwaukee, that could open the door to Phoenix for Butler. The Bucks will first need to make another trade to get into the second apron so they can collect salary in a bigger trade.
What did the Utah Jazz get in the trade with the Phoenix Suns?
Utah is acquiring a 2031 unprotected first-round pick from Phoenix in hopes of turning it into a valuable lottery-type pick, especially if the Suns are in post-Durant and post-Booker rebuild mode. There is. The Jazz have at least 11 first-round picks in the next seven drafts.
(This article has been updated with new information.)
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