Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Suns podcast, with your daily Locked On Suns newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Suns and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Jimmy Butler’s Phoenix Suns Preference: A Smart Move or Risky Bet?
Nov 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are in a stalemate over a potential Jimmy Butler trade. Let’s break down what’s holding this deal back from happening on all sides.
• The Suns’ 2031 first-round pick is a major sticking point:
- We’ve heard reports that the Suns don’t want to move this pick.
- It’s incredibly valuable because by 2031, Durant will be 42, Booker 34, and Beal 36.
- The pick’s value lies in the uncertainty of the Suns’ situation that far in the future.
• Jimmy Butler’s contract demands are complicating matters:
- Butler wants a lucrative extension, which Miami seems unwilling to offer.
- He’s signaling to other teams that he only wants to go to Phoenix.
- This could be a red flag – why is he so set on the Suns when there are other competitive teams interested?
• The contract situation is tricky but could benefit the Suns:
- Initial reports suggested a 2-year, $110 million deal.
- Now we’re hearing it could be 3 years for $110-115 million.
- This longer deal could actually help the Suns with salary cap flexibility.
• Finding a third team to take Bradley Beal is crucial:
- Miami has made it clear they don’t want Beal.
- Potential third teams like Sacramento, Detroit, and Chicago have been floated.
- Each option has its own complications and drawbacks.
• The Suns are in a tough spot with Beal’s no-trade clause:
- They can’t approach Beal about a trade until there’s a concrete deal on the table.
- This creates a chicken-and-egg situation in trade negotiations.
• We’re not sure keeping Beal in the dark is the best strategy:
- There’s a risk of damaging the relationship if he finds out through other channels.
- But approaching him too early could jeopardize potential deals.
• The Suns’ desperation is evident to other teams:
- Remember when they said they’d “blow through the second apron” for Beal?
- That broadcast to the league that they’re willing to break rules and spend big.
- Now teams know they have leverage in negotiations with Phoenix.
• We’re skeptical about how much Butler truly cares about winning:
- His insistence on Phoenix, despite their struggles, is concerning.
- Is he more focused on getting paid than competing for a championship?
• The Suns need to tread carefully:
- Getting Butler could provide cap relief and talent.
- But his history of wearing out his welcome with teams is worrying.
- We’re not sure if this is the right move for the long-term health of the franchise.
• As we wait for this situation to unfold, we’ll be watching closely to see how Beal and the team respond on the court.
- The Hawks are coming to town, and they’ve had the Suns’ number lately.
- Then again, who hasn’t had their number this season?
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Dive into the latest discussions on the Phoenix Suns, including Bradley Beal’s performance and potential lineup changes, offering strategic insights. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Rumor Speculation swirls as trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal heat up ahead of the NBA trade deadline. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Preview The Hawks will meet the Suns at Footprint Center at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Suns podcasts.
Phoenix Suns Eek Out Victory Over Washington As Ryan Dunn Posts Career Night
The Phoenix Suns escaped Washington with a win over the Wizards despite an ugly fourth quarter from Devin Booker and Co. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia recap the 130-123 win, including how the fourth quarter slipped away, continued questions around Tyus Jones, the solid flow between Booker and Kevin Durant, and Ryan Dunn’s career night.
Phoenix Suns Acquire Nick Richards: How Much Of a Boost Will He Bring?
The Phoenix Suns upgraded their center rotation on Wednesday by trading for Nick Richards, who is expected to start right away. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the deal, including the price of the deal sending Josh Okogie out, how much better Richards makes the Suns, and what comes next ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Phoenix Suns Lose Tight Game In Atlanta Despite Kevin Durant & Devin Booker Combining For 66
The Phoenix Suns dropped a tight game in Atlanta despite Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combining for 66 points on the road. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the loss, including how Bradley Beal came up short late, how familiar issues plagued the Suns again, and the night of growing pains for the Suns’ rookies.
