As the NBA’s February 6 trade deadline approaches, the Phoenix Suns are actively seeking to strengthen their team. They recently made a deal with the Utah Jazz, acquiring three first-round draft picks in exchange for one of their own.

Currently, the Suns sit at a 21-21 record, placing them 10th in the Western Conference. With notable players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on the team, they are in a tight battle with eight other franchises for a playoff position, whether through a play-in game or securing a direct playoff berth.

In this recent trade, the Suns have gained three valuable first-round picks, which they can use for future transactions. Prior to this, their only tradable first-round pick was not scheduled until 2031 due to NBA regulations that prevent teams from having consecutive years without a first-round pick.

Now, with additional first-round selections from the Jazz for the years 2025, 2027, and 2029, the Suns have new assets to potentially trade for impactful players like Jimmy Butler. Suns owner Mat Ishbia is focused on assembling a championship-caliber team alongside Durant and Booker and is prepared to make financial commitments to achieve this goal.

ESPN was the first to break the news about this trade.

What draft picks did the Phoenix Suns receive?

The Suns added three draft picks from the Utah Jazz, with the following details:

• 2025 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah – protected)
• 2027 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah)
• 2029 least favorable first-round pick (Cleveland, Minnesota – protected, or Utah)

How could the Phoenix Suns trade for Jimmy Butler?

Facilitating a trade for Butler might require the involvement of multiple teams. According to a source familiar with the Suns-Jazz trade, this trade marks the initial steps toward potentially acquiring Butler. If acquired, the Suns would look to secure him on a longer contract when he becomes a free agent this summer. The source requested confidentiality and was not permitted to disclose any public statements regarding the Suns’ plans.

Bradley Beal currently has a no-trade clause, which limits the Suns’ options concerning him. However, if Beal chose to waive this clause, the Suns now possess the draft capital needed to make a competitive offer, even if it involves taking on two years and $110.7 million remaining on Beal’s deal after this season.

A team to keep an eye on during this situation is the Milwaukee Bucks, who are exploring options for perimeter talent. Reports have suggested that a possible trade involving Zach LaVine heading to the Bucks would be a good fit, as they have shown interest in the Chicago Bulls guard, who is enjoying a strong shooting season.

Should Beal agree to waive his no-trade clause for a move to Milwaukee, this could pave the way for Butler to join the Suns. However, the Bucks would first need to complete another trade to remain compliant with league salary cap regulations necessary for larger trades.

What did the Utah Jazz receive from the Phoenix Suns?

In turn, the Utah Jazz have secured an unprotected first-round pick from the Suns in 2031, which could prove valuable if the Suns enter a rebuilding phase after Durant and Booker. The Jazz now hold at least 11 first-round picks across the next seven drafts.

(This story has been updated with the latest information.)