2 weeks Ago
As the NBA season heats up and trade rumors start swirling, the Golden State Warriors, who are off to an excellent 4-1 start, have still been included in their fair share of rumors , namely for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Butler is an elite defender in the last year of his contract and has shot a solid 37.9 percent from 3-point range in the last three seasons.
Adding him as an off-ball threat and defensive leader to the Warriors' locker room would immediately boost their title chances, although how much would the Dubs have to spend to get him? Jim Rassol-Imagn Images With no indication that Butler will re-sign with the Heat, the price for the six-time All-Star is at an all-time low, but he still makes $48.7 million this season, and, if he opts in, $52.4 million next year.
The Warriors will have to be prepared to match that, which they could come close to by sending out Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney. To sweeten the pot for the Heat, who might not feel the pressure to trade their franchise player, the Warriors would likely have to toss in a promising young player or two. By adding Jonathan Kuminga--who has been included in his fair share of rumors--and quality veteran Kyle Anderson, the Warriors could take on Butler and Thomas Bryant, who would bolster their depth chart in the frontcourt.
Bryant is currently behind both Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware in Miami, so he wouldn't be missed. If Pat Riley wants to play hardball, Golden State could include a first-round pick, although they would likely require a verbal commitment from Butler that he would re-sign with them. Golden State can trade their selections in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028.
Related: Warriors Could Target 76ers' $16.3 Million Trade Candidate With the Warriors currently enjoying some success, don't expect them to rush into a deal unless things start to go south..
