Golden State Warriors To Chase Jimmy Butler

The Golden State Warriors wanted to make a big 'splash' this offseason, but the only 'splash' move they made was losing Steph Curry's 'Splash Brother', Klay Thompson in free agency.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, speaking on The TK Show podcast, the Warriors will now try to land the Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler in a trade during or after the season.

Jimmy Butler’s going to be a free agent next summer, didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors, as you know, have interest there and I think probably made a couple calls during the summer.

With Butler intent of hitting free agency, the Heat just may decide to make a proactive move.

Insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Points thinks the Dubs might not even have to wait that long to make a run at Jimmy Buckets.

I wouldn't expect there to be any traction between the Warriors and Heat right now, but I will say this:

Pat Riley doesn't like seeing his team fail. If Butler and the Heat get off to a slow start and the All-Star misses time again, there will be real talk of Butler being moved…
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) September 13, 2024

Siegel says "If Butler and the Heat get off to a slow start and the All-Star misses time again, there will be real talk of Butler being moved."

If Butler doesn't get traded by the end of the season, he has a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26, which, in the only scenario that would really work for the luxury-tax-strapped Warriors, he would have to opt-in on, and then have Miami & Golden State work out a trade.

After leading the Heat to at least the Conference Finals (and two Finals) in three of the previous four seasons, Butler missed the playoffs due to injury in 2023-24 and they lost in the first round to the Boston Celtics. If they are flailing again this season, the Heat might look to make a huge move with Butler.