In this scenario, in the case of a Butler/Beal swap isn’t the move, here’s an idea of how the Suns could still land Jimmy. And in this scenario, Miami gets expiring vet contracts to help build around their team currently (while getting some possible financial flexibility), while the Pistons get to financially get back to the salary floor while getting a great scorer in Beal.

Jimmy would make Phoenix’s starting line-up look way more traditional and give the Suns something different. Then if it doesn’t work out (or if Jimmy opts out to re-sign after testing Free Agency) this gives the Suns MAJOR financial flexibility, maybe to even re-sign both him + Tyus Jones (who will be a free agent after this season). So the 10-11 man rotation would look like:

PG: Tyus Jones, Monte Morris SG: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen SF: Jimmy Butler, Ryan Dunn PF: Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, C: Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, Oso Igadhoro

For Detroit, they’re the 3rd team in this scenario because they waived Paul Reed, which makes me wonder if they’re preparing to take on a big salary for some assets. So instead of Miami getting the 2031 Suns 1st round pick, they get it to take on Beal’s salary. However, Beal gives the Pistons another great scorer who can create a shot, but also benefit from having a point guard in Cade to set him up.

And then for Miami, they get a Couple veteran players in Tobias Harris + THJ, and a rookie who’s minutes aren’t huge in Bobi Klintman. In this scenario, their tax would go down for this season, but also, have two shorter term contracts that would give them some flexibility financially for their future. And in exchange of Detroit getting the juicier 1st round pick, Miami would be getting back a top 5 protected 2027 Detroit 1st rounder and a couple of 2nd round picks from both Phoenix and Detroit.

What do you think of this scenario? It might look like a reach, but who knows…crazier things have happened in the NBA! Let me know what you think.