Two teams widely rumored to be in the bidding for Jimmy Butler will attempt to demonstrate why they don’t need the disgruntled superstar when the Phoenix Suns visit the Golden State Warriors on Friday night in San Francisco.
As they attempt to climb the Western Conference standings, the Suns (ninth place) and Warriors (11th place) will take the court separated by just one loss.
Phoenix moved three games over .500 for the first time since Dec. 15 with three straight wins before falling 121-113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant scored 33 points, and Devin Booker added 28 in the defeat. Perhaps most encouraging was the 17-point contribution of Bradley Beal off the bench as the Suns try to decide whether to keep or dangle the high-priced three-time All-Star.
Beal’s big contract ($50.2 million this season) is seen as critical in making a salary-cap-compliant deal for a star like Butler. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer was scrutinized for electing to start Royce O’Neale over Beal when an opening was created by Ryan Dunn’s ankle injury this week. He understands that’s part of the business at this time of year, with the trade deadline now in the foreseeable future next Thursday.
Beal didn’t seem bothered by the second-string status against the Timberwolves. He made six of his 10 shots and added six assists.
The Warriors’ equivalent to Beal is Andrew Wiggins, whose impressive recent play has — depending on perspective — made him harder to trade or boosted interest from prospective suitors. Another former All-Star, Wiggins has been Golden State’s leading scorer over its last five games, going for an average of 21.6 points as the Warriors have won three of five, including two in a row.
With 27 points, he led the way in the Warriors’ 116-109 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Like Beal, Wiggins has a relatively big contract ($26.3 million this season) and has recently found his name plastered all over social-media-proposed blockbusters. But he insists he remains focused on helping Golden State get back into the playoffs after a play-in elimination last year.
The Pacific Division rivals have held serve in two previous meetings this season. Booker had 27 points and Durant added 21 in a 113-105 home win in November. The Warriors answered at home in December, as Jonathan Kuminga tied a career high with 34 points to help Golden State overcome a 28-point effort by Beal in a 109-105 triumph in the December rematch.
