Massive Bulls Trade Rumor Bombshell Drops Ahead of Deadline

A lot of eyes are on the Chicago Bulls as the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline nears. Billy Donovan's team is currently fighting for an Eastern Conference Play-In spot, leaving time to tell whether the Bulls will decide to be buyers or sellers before next week's deadline.

Even though the trade front has been quiet in the Windy City, that could change in the coming days judging by the latest bombshell that NBA insider Brian Windhorst just dropped.

Bulls, Suns Discuss Potential Bradley Beal Trade: Report

One of the biggest names available for a trade is Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler, who's made it clear he wants out of South Beach. The Phoenix Suns are one team that's been consistently linked to Butler's services, however, any potential deal would likely require Bradley Beal to be shipped out of town.

If that's the case, the Bulls join the mix to take Beal off the Suns' hands.

"The bottom line is the Bulls and the Suns have talked and the concept of Bradley Beal ending up in Chicago has been discussed," Windhorst said (h/t RealGM). "I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm not saying it's close or whatever. Obviously, Beal has a no-trade clause."

Butler, 35, carries a $48.7 million cap hit for the remainder of the season, as well as a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker unlikely to be moved, the Suns' only choice is to move Beal, who's due around $110 million between the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

Although he isn't posting All-Star-quality numbers this season, Beal has still been a solid contributor in Phoenix. The veteran Suns guard is averaging 17.2 points while shooting 48.5% from the floor and 39.6% from deep, adding 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game along the way. He could be a solid security option if Lonzo Ball and/or Josh Giddey — who are both free agents this summer — aren't back in October.

Having said that, a three-team trade isn't the only reason why Beal might end up in Chicago. If the Suns can't land Butler, they could be interested in a one-for-one swap regarding one of the Bulls' key players.

"Sources say Phoenix, to name one example, could emerge with interest in exploring a swap of Bradley Beal for LaVine," NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Friday.

LaVine has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the last few years. The former UCLA Bruin has been enjoying a nice bounce-back season after playing just 25 games last year, averaging 24.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists with .512/.444/.792 splits in 41 appearances. He's also owed about $95 million across the two upcoming seasons.

The Bulls' potential interest in Beal will be revealed the closer we get to the trade deadline. If general manager Marc Eversley is serious about shaking things, a blockbuster deal with the Suns might be the way to go.

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