According to NBA reporter Nick Friedell, the Golden State Warriors have had discussions about adding Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler to the roster. However, Friedell also notes that the locker room fit could be questionable.
“Jimmy Butler’s name has popped up in the conversation…I think it’s a fit on paper, but I’m not sure how he fits into that locker room as the alpha personality that he is and I don’t know if after all the wear and tear on his knees the Warriors would want to give him that extension. That would scare the hell out of me.”
In May, reports suggested that Butler is hoping for a supermax contract extension this summer. However, in the team’s exit interview, Heat president Pat Riley revealed the two sides have not had discussion talks yet.
“We don’t have to do that for a year. We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment.”
The 34-year-old Butler has one guaranteed year left on his contract. Additionally, he is eligible for a two-year supermax contract that could be worth around $113 million. Butler has spent the last five seasons with the Heat. In that time, he has led the team to two NBA Finals appearances. Furthermore, he has been selected to two All-Star teams in that time and finished top-15 in MVP voting twice.
Golden State Warriors May Pursue 5x All-NBA Player
Why the Warriors Could Pursue Jimmy Butler
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Warriors will likely make some tough decisions this summer. In addition to potentially moving on from Chris Paul and former champions Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins, the team may lose Klay Thompson in the offseason. Thompson, who has been with the team since they drafted him in 2011, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 34-year-old is coming off of one of the worst campaigns of his career so far. In 77 games played, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc. All these numbers are near career-lows for the five-time All-Star. However, he will still likely have a lot of interest as a free agent. So far, reports have indicated that the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat will all explore the idea of adding Thompson. Because of this, the Warriors must have a backup plan if he does move on.
This is where adding Butler could be intriguing. At this stage in their careers, Butler is a better player than Thompson. He is still a very well-rounded wing and could fit in next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. If the Warriors lose Thompson, Butler could be the ideal replacement for the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler Wants to Stay With the Miami Heat
Amidst the trade rumors, Butler has made it clear he does not want to go anywhere.
“I feel at home, man. I really care about the city, I really care about the people in this city. Miami has embraced me. They’ve wanted me to bring them something they haven’t done since LeBron, D-Wade and C-Bosh. And I want to do that. So as soon as I get this knee back right, I’m right back on they ass and everybody know it.”
With the offseason having yet to officially begin, nothing is official. For the summer, it will be worth monitoring Butler’s status to see if the Heat move on from their beloved star.
