The Suns have been seeking more draft capital and they are making a trade to that end. They are dealing their 2031 unprotected first rounder — the last first-rounder in their possession — to the Jazz for three first-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
The Suns are acquiring the least favorable first-rounder in 2025 among the Cavaliers and Timberwolves; in 2027 of the Cavs, Timberwolves and Jazz; and in 2029 of the same three teams.
Phoenix will have more flexibility to make trades with the additional first rounders. The Suns are operating over the second tax apron and have limited options on the trade market this season. They’re not able to aggregate contracts or take back more salary than they send out.
Phoenix’s only other tradeable draft asset is the 2025 second-round pick it acquired from Charlotte (while sending out three second-rounders) during the recent trade for center Nick Richards.
This could facilitate a potential Jimmy Butler trade. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (Twitter link), the Heat are seeking multiple picks plus two players for Butler and the deal would likely include at least four teams. Bradley Beal would have to be part of Phoenix’s trade package to make the deal happen, though he’d also need to approve any deal since he has a no-trade clause.
Butler is back in action after serving a team-imposed seven-game suspension but is still looking to be dealt with the Suns reportedly his preferred destination.
The incentive for the Jazz to make this deal is the lack of protections on the 2031 first-rounder. The 2025 pick they gave up, for example, is most likely going to be one of the last two picks in the first round, considering the Cavaliers record.