Golden State Warriors linked to shocking Jimmy Butler trade this summer: How a deal might look
A new report suggests the Golden State Warriors could surprise many and pursue a potential trade for Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler. But how would a potential blockbuster trade look?
Heading into the NBA games today, the Warriors are one of the many teams plotting out their plans for the summer. The 2022 NBA champion’s results this past season were a far cry from the peaks of two years ago as they were bounced quickly from the Play-In tournament and are set up for big changes this summer.
Klay Thompson’s future with the organization could be coming to a close, Chris Paul will likely be cut, and many around the game expect Andrew Wiggins to be shipped off in a potential trade to slash money off their bloated payroll. However, the goal will still be to remain a contender in 2024-25.
The Warriors still have some prime years left with future Hall-of-Famer Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is locked into several more seasons. Earlier this year, there were rumors the organization looked into trading for Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James but talks did not go far. Well, it seems they might pursue a blockbuster trade for another star forward in the months ahead.
On Thursday, The Athletic’s Golden State Warriors insider Anthony Slater claimed “If the Heat shop Jimmy Butler, I would expect the Warriors to enter the conversation to at least some degree.”
How a Jimmy Butler trade to the Golden State Warriors might look
If the Golden State Warriors pursued a trade for Jimmy Butler, the big question would be do they have enough assets to interest the Miami Heat? The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers — two teams linked to a trade for the six-time All-Star — have more to offer. However, the idea of moving him out of the Eastern Conference could play a role for Miami.
Assuming Thompson and Paul are off the roster, to make the money work a like deal would probably see Golden State send Miami Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II (if he opts into the final year of his deal), Kevon Looney, and Brandin Podziemski. They would likely also have to fork over first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and potentially 2029.
Jimmy Butler trade to Warriors (Trade 1)
- Heat get: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Brandin Podziemski, two or three first-round picks
- Warriors get: Jimmy Butler
Another option would be to include Wiggins, but potentially add Thompson (in a sign-and-trade) or Chris Paul to get closer to the $48.7 million Butler makes next season. It is unclear if Miami would want either but Paul’s expiring contract has some value and the Heat could believe Thompson still has some good years left at the right price. And taking his talents to South Beach could intrigue the Warriors great.
Jimmy Butler trade to Warriors (Trade 2)
- Heat get: Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson or Chris Paul, Brandin Podziemski, and two or three first-round picks
- Warriors get: Jimmy Butler
The Golden State Warriors would not be a favorite in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes but they certainly would have a chance if the Heat put him on the trade block this summer amid a growing contract dispute between te star and the team.
