The NBA trade deadline is just three days away, yet Jimmy Butler remains with the Miami Heat. More than ever, it’s becoming clear that Butler has one preferred destination: the Phoenix Suns.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Butler and his camp have informed the Golden State Warriors that he is unwilling to sign an extension there. As a result, trade discussions between the Heat and Warriors have come to a halt, sources told ESPN.

This has been a recurring theme throughout Butler’s trade saga. Each time a new team emerges as a potential suitor, reports quickly follow stating that Butler has no interest in playing there or signing a long-term deal. This contradicts his initial stance—he originally claimed he was open to playing anywhere but Miami and insisted he could turn any team into a contender.

However, as teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies expressed interest, Butler’s camp repeatedly pushed back, making it clear that Phoenix is his preferred destination. Why? The Suns appear to be the only team willing to sign him to an extension. Since Butler’s trade request on January 2, his desire to land in Phoenix has remained consistent.

The Beal Dilemma

For the Suns to acquire Butler, the only realistic path—without trading Devin Booker or Kevin Durant—is swapping Bradley Beal’s contract as matching salary. But Beal’s no-trade clause complicates things. The Heat reportedly have no interest in Beal as long as he maintains that clause, and even if a third team were willing to take Beal, he holds the power to veto any trade.

That leaves one unlikely, yet possible, scenario: Miami sending Butler to Phoenix in exchange for Bradley Beal and three first-round picks. While that outcome seems improbable, crazier things have already happened in the NBA this week alone.

As the deadline looms, all eyes remain on Miami, Phoenix, and, most of all, Jimmy Butler. Will the Heat call his bluff, or will Butler finally get his wish?