The Golden State Warriors are exploring multiple avenues toward improvement after missing the playoffs.
Limiting the moves that they can make is a multitude of depreciated assets and a high payroll. However, the Warriors may just get creative, targeting at least one star trade this offseason. That being said, Golden State isn’t just shopping around. They’re looking for a specific type of player.
“If Brandon Ingram hits the trade market, I would not expect the Warriors to show interest,” reports The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “If the Heat shop Jimmy Butler, I would expect the Warriors to enter the conversation to at least some degree.”
Warriors to Enter Trade Conversation For Jimmy Butler
Despite the phrasing, the Warriors’ direction may be dictated by what they can offer.
To that point, the New Orleans Pelicans are looking for a star point guard. The only one Golden State would be willing to give up is Chris Paul though, and he’s due $30 million at 39 years old. Furthermore, unless the Pelicans want to put their defense on stilts, a backcourt of Paul and CJ McCollum should be avoided.
However, the Heat need frontcourt help now that they have Terry Rozier. As a result, Andrew Wiggins could be offered to Miami as part of a trade package for Jimmy Butler. For salary matching purposes, Gary Payton II and Moses Moody will likely be on the table as well. Passionate defender, Payton and Moody could help shore up Miami’s second unit.
Nonetheless, this could also be about the star’s comparative strengths, on and off the court.
On the court, Brandon Ingram’s an upper-end scorer whose length, touch, and ball-handling ability make him a tough player to guard. He’s also developed into a sound decision-maker with the ball in his hands from a playmaking standpoint. Yet, Butler’s the much better defender, and they need that beside Jonathan Kuminga. The Congolese forward is athletic and determined, but lacks ideal awareness and technique as an on-ball defender.
Off the court, Butler seems like the type of player who would bond with Draymond Green. They’re both fiery competitors who exude a certain level of toughness. Furthermore, Butler’s as into the nightlife as Green. When assessing ways to keep Green in a nirvana, giving him Bash Brother might help.
Is Jimmy Butler A Better Fit Than Andrew Wiggins?
There is a wrinkle to this hypothetical that needs to be straightened out though.
Wiggins has been their primary wing defender since his arrival, and has fared well in that role. He’s also made 38.1 percent of his 3s with the Warriors. While Butler made a career-high 41.4 percent of his 3s in 2023-24, he’s converted just 30.3 percent of his 3-point attempts the past five seasons. As Kuminga himself is only a career 34.1 percent shooter, Wiggins is arguably a better complement to their new foundational piece than Butler.
Unless the Heat are willing to move Butler for Paul, and that’s highly unlikely, Golden State and Miami may not agree to a deal.
