The countdown to the NBA trade deadline has officially begun. In 15 short days, all the trade talk will screech to a halt as rosters become set for the postseason push. In Chicago, Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Patrick Williams have been reportedly added to the trade block, with bites recently hitting Vucevic and LaVine. Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler\u2019s antics continue to stir up potential landing spots, including the Phoenix Suns, who recently added three first-round draft selections in exchange for one. Bradley Beal\u2019s name has been the most popularly floated asset in a potential Butler deal, but his no-trade clause creates a problematic hurdle to surpass. While the noise surrounding Butler and other stars around the NBA has only gotten louder over the past week, LaVine\u2019s price tag is quietly becoming the most attainable and appealing one.<\/p>\n
Phoenix has prioritized finding three-time All-Star Bradley Beal a new home since learning about Butler\u2019s availability in the trade market. However, the destination would need to absorb Beal\u2019s contract of over $50 million annually over the subsequent three campaigns, be willing to add his no-trade clause and be a spot Beal is willing to waive that clause to join. While Chicago might not want Jimmy Butler in a potential trade, using Zach LaVine as leverage could be a genius maneuver in a three-team scenario.<\/p>\n