With the NBA offseason in full effect, Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler is quickly becoming a name that holds significant trade rumours.
Meanwhile, Butler has had tough times at the team, with speculations about his future in Miami mounting anytime soon.
The reports indicated that Butler desired a max contract with the Heat, but such an agreement is unlikely to take place.
It was actually an offseason with a few demands on Pat Riley’s part for the star.
Asked about what the Warrios’ plans would be after failing to land a big star in the current market, The Athletic’s Sam Amick believed Butler as an alternative.
“There’s nothing concrete right now, but it’s very clear that the franchise needs something,” Amick said.
“That could be in free agency, but the most likely way for a player at that level to come to the Warriors is through a trade.
“One of the guys that comes to mind, for sure, is Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat,” Amick added.
The Heat are bothered by Butler’s frequent absences, especially in the regular season.
In 2023/24, the difficult campaign was once again not preceded by a surge in production in the playoffs, and the team fell in the first round in five games to the eventual champion Boston Celtics.
The Heat are bothered by Butler’s frequent absences, especially during the regular season.
But this challenging campaign was not preceded, again this season, by an improved production in the playoffs, and the team fell in the first round in five games to the future champion Boston Celtics.
The Miami Heat will most probably seek to trade Butler out instead of running the risk of losing him for nothing during the build-up of a more competitive roster.
“He’s a free agent next year. An extension that many thought was a no-brainer didn’t come through.” Amick said.
“So I think Golden State is interested and monitoring this particular situation.
“In fact, I would say the sides may have even talked about it at some point. If you think of NBA stars on the Warriors, that’s the name,” he added.
It has been quite the rollercoaster of ups and downs for Butler in Miami, though he was quite essential in their run to the 2020 NBA Finals.
