The worst-kept secret in the NBA has been the mutual interest between Jimmy Butler and the Phoenix Suns.
Nurkic is owed $18.13 million and has averaged 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes this season.
MB: He’s impacted the Pistons in multiple ways.
MB: He’s helped me a lot.
MB: It’s been amazing.
The Phoenix Suns’ and Jimmy Butler’s shared interest has been the NBA’s worst-kept secret. The Suns guard Bradley Beal, however, is in control of any possible trade because of his no-trade clause and the requirement that his salary be covered by any agreement.
Even though the rumor mill has previously connected Beal to teams like the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks in possible blockbuster scenarios with Butler joining Phoenix, all the evidence points to Beal being content to remain in Phoenix, where he has professionally accepted his recent bench role despite being an All-Star three times and averaging over 30 points twice in his 11 seasons with the Washington Wizards.
The Suns gave themselves more options by giving up their unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three 2025, 2027, and 2029 first-round picks, while Phoenix continues to search the market for Butler. Each year, Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah select the least desirable first-round picks. Butler could be acquired with the use of all the selected players.
According to league sources who spoke to HoopsHype, the Suns are also considering matching one of the recently acquired first-round picks with Jusuf Nurkic in order to acquire a premium rotation player or player of starting caliber through trade.
This season, Nurkic has averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 points in 23 minutes played. He owes $18.13 million.
According to sources, Phoenix does not see Nurkic as a salary dump even after acquiring center Nick Richards because he will be more valuable on the trade market this summer when his contract expires, which is worth $19–38 million for the 2025–26 campaign.
It’s unclear if the Suns will be able to trade Beal, acquire Butler, or trade Nurkic, but they are still fully committed to making this team as competitive as possible with a playoff eye.
This season, Malik Beasley, a guard for the Detroit Pistons, has been one of the league’s best shooters, finishing second overall with 171 3-pointers.
As a result, Beasley has helped the Pistons surpass expectations with a 23-23 record and stay in the running for an Eastern Conference postseason berth.
Beasley discussed his reasons for selecting Detroit in free agency, his influence both on and off the court, Cade Cunningham’s “All-Star” season, J., in a lengthy interview with HoopsHype after practice. B. . Behind-the-scenes look at Bickerstaff, his prospects of competing in the NBA All-Star Weekend 3-point Contest, his future in free agency, and more.
Why did you select Detroit during free agency?
Malik Beasley: I decided on Detroit because I wanted to prove that I could be a leader and a veteran by enduring the rigors of the game. As I’ve moved around the league over the past couple of teams, I don’t think I’ve been able to demonstrate leadership by playing with LeBron and other players. My playoff experience and all of my life’s experiences can be brought to this situation. I believe I can contribute a variety of elements to this team. Additionally, it’s like a second home because my family is from here. In addition, I wanted to stay in the East for another year to see how things went after spending my first year there with Milwaukee the previous year.
On and off the court, how do you think you’ve been able to influence the Pistons?
MB: By working hard and demonstrating my leadership. For instance, during practice, I arrive at the gym first. I believe that my clutch threes have helped me win a few games. I’ve been making shots at the conclusion of games and making the most of my experience.
When compared to the previous season, this team has drastically improved. What do you think caused that to occur?
MB: Taking charge of the veterans who arrived. All of us have experienced the spotlight and the playoffs. Our goal is to support this team in uniting as a unit. That’s probably what made the biggest difference. They weren’t losing by 30 points each game when you looked at their games from the previous season. Every game they played was close. It seems to me that Cade (Cunningham) needed some shooters to surround him and veterans to help spread the floor. We’re doing a fantastic job at it, in my opinion.
In your opinion, has Cade Cunningham improved this season?
MB: He is unquestionably an All-Star. Soon, we ought to be anticipating that news. He’s been doing this, but since we’re winning some games, he’s probably getting noticed. That’s how it usually is. All we need to do is keep moving forward.
How has it been to play for J? B. What is Bickerstaff’s effect on the team?
MB: He has had a considerable influence on the Pistons. He is teaching us to trust the process and to truly understand what it means to “grit and grind.”. As long as the procedure is done correctly, he doesn’t care about the outcome. Life is like that. We trust him and have faith in him. Additionally, he has faith in us. We have all embraced him together, and in his first year with us, he has been an incredibly good coach. There is no chemistry like it.
What is your relationship with Bickerstaff, and how has he unlocked you?
MB: He has been a huge help to me. If I have a play going on, he makes it up. He will always come up with a play or tell me, “We trust you,” even on nights when I’m not shooting. My teammates also have faith in him. That is a matter of confidence. Coach Bickerstaff can also see the effort I put forth. They already see me at the gym, sweating profusely, when they get off the hotel, and they know I worked hard. That, I believe, also inspires trust in him.
What objectives do you have for the remainder of the season?
MB: I’m hoping to enter the 3-point competition. The choices have probably already been made. My primary objective is to make it to the playoffs, aside from that. Coming from a team that won a championship and joining this one and making it to the playoffs would be incredible, in my opinion. That, in my opinion, will improve me personally. I hope we get a few victories, qualify for the playoffs, and keep moving forward. It’s a great vibe.
Were you invited to the three-point competition?
MB: Three weeks ago, I agreed when they asked if I would do it, but we’re still waiting to find out. All of the All-Stars must choose. They are given preference. They’ll notify me if I make the cut after the All-Stars make their decision.
In your locker room, do you guys discuss the playoffs?
MB: Naturally. Now we’re discussing it. These games are all of playoff caliber given our upcoming schedule. We talk about that every day. It’s not as if we have a chance. “No.”. To get ready for those games, we’re currently attempting to determine where we can improve as a team.
How is family life in Detroit going?
It’s been fantastic, MB. My family consists of my cousins. Meals are prepared at home for me. They’re really awesome to have there.
You are a free agent after this season. How do you feel about that, and what role does a potential return to Detroit play in it?
MB: It’s very large. I’ve been speaking with Trajan (Langdon) a lot. We’re attempting to predict the future. This trade deadline still needs to be met. A few championship teams are interested in me, but I told Trajan that I’m happy where I am. He informed me of the influence I have had. I hope he accepts. He added that it’s a business. The business is the business if a championship team comes with an outrageous price tag. All we have to do is wait for the deadline to pass. We’ll probably start discussing whether we can possibly come up with something after that.
Do you have any other questions that you would like to clarify?
MB: Let everyone know that Detroit basketball is back. Together, we’re working hard here. We are putting it together, and I believe that every one of our journeys was planned for a purpose.
Tyus Jones, a starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns, took less money in free agency after playing for the Memphis Grizzlies for four seasons, where he was considered one of the league’s best backups behind Ja Morant, and as a starter for the Washington Wizards the previous season.
The season is halfway over, and Jones spoke with HoopsHype about his free agency future, the ongoing Jimmy Butler rumors, whether his experience thus far has been what he expected, and more.
When you took a lower salary to come here in free agency, did you anticipate joining the Suns?
Tyus Jones: We got off to a hot start this year. I believe that’s what I and everyone else had in mind. Since then, there have been some ups and downs, but that’s a natural part of the season. The year wasn’t going to be all highs. Our team is doing well, learning a lot and still figuring out how to complement one another. By taking on different roles, playing a little bit more off the ball, more in the corners, and setting more screens, I feel like I’m learning a lot and improving my game. My perspective on the game is growing. In a different role, I’m able to do a little bit more. That, in the end, improves my basketball skills. I am examining it from that perspective. It has gone well. What we’re attempting to accomplish still gives me great confidence. We all have faith in each other, and this locker room is full of great guys. It’s been wonderful. I’m pleased with the choice. I’m excited for us to keep getting better and to see how we perform in the second half of the year.
For this team, what can Nick Richards contribute?
TJ: The presence of paint. His physicality, ability to block shots, and ability to rebound. Even when he isn’t blocking shots, he is changing them.
When you look at the team at the halfway point, how do you feel about them?
TJ: I think we haven’t consistently played our best basketball. We’re still a work in progress, in my opinion. We have our best ball in front of us, and I believe that everyone in this room has faith in one another that we will keep getting better. I believe that everyone in this locker room is in a good frame of mind and is very confident in both themselves and each other. We are going to keep presenting ourselves in the best possible way. The season wouldn’t be all sunshine and roses, we knew. Probably a few more low points than we would have liked have occurred. However, that also comes with it, and in the end, it will improve our team.
What are your long-term plans now that the season is halfway over?
TJ: I have attempted to avoid it and to remain present. I’ve done that with the Wizards and even during my contract-year play in Memphis. I have found that staying in the present, being where I am, and letting everything else work itself out when the time is right, leads to greater success. I am having fun here. My family and I adore how well they are looking after us. My two young children are having a great time in the pleasant weather. My daughter will soon turn two, and my son is four years old. I can stay in the moment and keep everything in perspective thanks to it. I’m having fun here and am eager for the second half of the year.
What do you think of the countless rumors circulating about Jimmy Butler and the fact that you recently made a trade for additional first-round draft picks?
TJ: I have been a member of the league for some time. I have encountered trade rumors and similar circumstances. Controlling what we can control is, I believe, the key. The front desk will carry out its planned course of action. It doesn’t really concern us. We have no control over it. Our goal is to become a better team and be present every day.
Michael Scotto can be followed on X, the former name of Twitter, at @MikeAScotto.