Well, it finally happened.

The Heat traded Jimmy Butler on Wednesday — just not to the Phoenix Suns. The forward is where he will play alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green.

Butler initially said he wanted to play for any team other than the Heat, but that changed to wanting to play only for the Suns. Bradley Beal would’ve had to be included in a deal, but he has a no-trade clause. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported a few days ago that Beal  required).

NBA fans began to assume that Butler may stay in Miami for the rest of the season after all. However, the Warriors weren’t going to let the deadline pass without doing something. They tried to reunite with Kevin Durant ( but he reportedly didn’t want to return to San Francisco. So, Golden State returned its attention to Butler.

The trade involves three other teams: Toronto, Detroit, and Utah. The full details of the trade are still up in the air, but one thing has already been announced — Butler has agreed to sign a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors. Remember when he said he wouldn’t sign an extension there?

Jimmy Butler trade saga comes to a close with Warriors deal

So, what’s next for the Suns? That’s a good question. At least we know that Durant isn’t going to the Warriors. However, there could now be drama brewing with KD in Phoenix, knowing that the Suns made him available.

Here’s some good news: losing Butler to Golden State might sting, but trading for the forward could’ve quickly turned into a disaster for Phoenix, especially with an extension. When things are good with Jimmy, everything’s great. However, when things are bad, it gets ugly. His past teams can testify to that.

He might still have a couple of good seasons left, but he’s already 35 and has an injury history that is a red flag. The Warriors only traded for him as a last-ditch effort to win another title with Steph.

Phoenix’s front office is stuck trying to build a winning team around a possibly disgruntled Durant and Devin Booker. KD is still playing at a high level but isn’t getting any younger, either. The Suns might be left crossing their fingers and wishing for the best, which does nothing to reassure fans. There’s nothing to do but wait to see how the next several hours shake out.