MORE GOOD NEWS: Miami Heat Land 3-Time All-Star Amid Jimmy Butler Injury Setback.

The Miami Heat have resurfaced as a potential destination for three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, with speculation intensifying after the team lost star forward Jimmy Butler. Beal, who has struggled to find his footing with the Phoenix Suns, is reportedly on shaky ground heading into the offseason.

According to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambodoro, Beal’s return to Phoenix is highly unlikely. “There’s a zero percent chance that Bradley Beal comes back,” Gambodoro said on the “Burns and Gambo” show. “I don’t see a scenario in which Bradley Beal can come back.”

Beal still has two years and $111 million left on his five-year, $251 million contract, and his no-trade clause complicates any potential move. The Suns previously attempted to deal Beal in a failed bid to acquire Jimmy Butler, who instead was nearly traded to the Golden State Warriors.

With trade options limited, Phoenix could explore a buyout — though that would be financially burdensome. Despite his struggles to mesh with ball-dominant stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Beal still averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 50/39/80 this season.

“He could still be a great value at $15 million a year,” Gambodoro added, noting that teams like Miami, Denver, Golden State, and possibly San Antonio could be interested if a buyout were to happen. “At that price, teams can stomach Beal missing 20 games. At $50 million, it’s a lot harder.”

The Heat previously passed on acquiring Beal due to his massive contract and no-trade clause. But if he becomes available at a discounted rate, they’re expected to revisit the possibility. Notably, Miami was Beal’s top choice when he left Washington in 2023.

“My initial favorite was Miami,” Beal said in a past interview with Andscape. He revealed that Heat president Pat Riley had explored a deal, but the financials ultimately made it unworkable.

Now, with Butler sidelined and Beal possibly hitting the market at a lower cost, Miami could finally have its shot at a player it once prioritized.