In a recent appearance on the Road Trippin’ podcast, ESPN host and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins dropped a bombshell about the Phoenix Suns’ plans to pursue Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. According to Perkins, the Suns have a two-year, $121 million extension waiting for Butler, which would amount to $60 million per year.
Perkins believes that the Suns’ pursuit of Butler is primarily driven by their desire to keep Kevin Durant happy.
“It’s about money, and from my sources, they are telling me the Suns have a two-year, $121 million extension waiting on Jimmy,” Perkins said. He added, “Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler, and if he does get Jimmy Butler, they’ll both sign extensions”.
Kendrick Perkins on Jimmy Butler:
“From my sources… the Suns have a 2-year, $121 million extension waiting on Jimmy… Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler, and if he does get Jimmy Butler… they’ll both gonna sign extensions.” 👀
via @RoadTrippinPod
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) January 9, 2025
The Suns’ interest in Butler is not just about adding a top-tier player to their roster but also about maintaining their star-studded lineup. Keeping Durant content is crucial for the Suns, as he is a key piece of their championship aspirations. Perkins emphasized the importance of relationships, noting that Butler and Durant have a strong bond.
However, the Suns will need to navigate some challenges to make this plan a reality. One major obstacle is trading Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause. Without Beal’s permission, a trade involving him would be impossible. Additionally, landing Butler might not address all the fundamental issues within the team.
Despite these hurdles, the Suns’ owner, Mat Ishbia, is reportedly willing to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship to Phoenix. If Butler joins the Suns, it could secure Durant’s future with the team.
