The NBA trade deadline draws closer by the day, and as always, the transaction cycle remains headlined by the same small group of players. On Monday, the Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler indefinitely after he walked out of a shootaround upon receiving the news that he would be benched.

Depending on how you process any recent Heat news, that latter point feels correct, given some of Butler’s relationships with players on Miami’s roster. That is especially true of younger contributors who have grown to see Butler as a mentor no matter his team-related drama or level of candor.

Who else besides Phoenix could emerge as a potential trade suitor for Jimmy Butler? Milwaukee, at the very least, has rival teams wondering if a Butler bid is forthcoming.Source: Marc Stein @

The Bucks and Suns make sense as suitors for Jimmy Butler, but it would certainly be a surprise if he landed on the team floated as his No. 1 trade destination.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been battling themselves back into contention for some time now. After a very slow start to the new season, Milwaukee has seemed to fin

The Milwaukee Bucks have become a heavily rumored trade destination for Suns guard Bradley Beal in recent days, and on paper, the fit makes some sense. Milwaukee was interested in

LaVine is having one of his best seasons, averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting a scorching 44.6 percent from three and 56 percent inside the arc. Those numbers aren’t empty calories—he’s an elite shot-maker who could provide exactly what Milwaukee needs.

The countdown is about to move within a week of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline when it comes to the Miami Heat’s next step with Jimmy Butler. In other words, go-time. For now, the veteran forward remains on unpaid team suspension through at least that deadline,

The pecking order at the top of the league has been set for a while (as evidenced by very little movement at the top of this week's Power Rankings), but the deadline provides a quick shot of adrenaline and variety,

History has a way of repeating itself. If the Milwaukee Bucks get another opportunity to steal a superstar from Miami, don’t be surprised if they do it again.

Tim Bontemps unveils his 24 picks for the East and West All-Star rosters, filled with new starters, wild-card intrigue and some agonizing decisions.