We are now just over 48 hours until the 2024-25 NBA Trade Deadline, with the biggest domino waiting to fall being Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
It’s well-documented that his preferred destination is the Phoenix Suns, the only team that’s knowingly willing to give Butler–who owns a $52 million player option after this season–an extension. The obstacles of getting traded there, however, are tricky.
But another team that’s star-hunting around the league–one that is reportedly checking in on “every All-Star”–is the Golden State Warriors, who are trying to find additional help to slot alongside Stephen Curry while trying to dig out of the play-in race in a tight, loaded Western Conference.
According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Heat remain highly motivated to move on. Though Windhorst noted that the Heat could “abandon” the Suns despite Butler’s wishes.
“With a couple of days left until the deadline, the Suns’ dream is alive, but it’s going to require a complex alliance,” Windhorst wrote. “The Heat are very motivated to move Butler and could abandon the Suns option and send him somewhere else.
“That hasn’t stopped the Suns from trying everything they can to pull off a triple miracle of finding a home for Beal and his unwieldy contract, getting Beal to accept going to that place with his no-trade clause, and getting assets in return that can entice the Heat to send Butler. They have and are trying three/four/five-team deals to make that sea part. Butler is doing his part to buy them time.”
Windhorst also mentioned that Golden State remains a possibility despite reporting Sunday night that negotiations have cooled off “for now” because of the 35-year-old’s unwillingness to re-sign there this offseason. That aligns with a subsequent report from Warriors insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic Monday.
“The ‘for now’ aspect of that report was pinpointed by team and league sources,” Slater wrote. “The Warriors believe they are still firmly in the mix for Butler or another of the league’s star dominos that could topple as part of the Butler transaction or once it is resolved, team sources said.
“Butler has long preferred Phoenix as his next destination, league sources confirmed … If (Suns) can’t find Beal a new home prior to Thursday afternoon, they’ll be unable to add Butler while keeping Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, their ultimate goal.”
A lot can happen over the next 48-ish hours–Butler being moved is, without question, one of them. It will be difficult to find a team willing to give up a lot for him for myriad reasons, including if he decides to opt out with whatever non-Suns team acquires him.
Windhorst reported Monday that while the Warriors are trading to acquire a star talent, the extent to which they’re willing to give up is Andrew Wiggins and picks. He also mentioned that he believed the Heat were willing to do a deal with that framework with questions about whether each side would re-explore that.
Assuming that’s true, it would behoove Miami to land Wiggins, if possible. At this stage, beggars can’t be choosers, and Golden State can trade each of its first-round picks through 2028 with swaps available in 2029 and 2031.
Again, there’s still no guarantee Butler’s moved, even though the signs are pointing to him being moved to a team of interest at some point. This situation is very fluid and will remain that way until the buzzer hits 3:01 p.m. EST on Thursday.
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I think the past week has exposed Jimmy as being an unserious person at this point in his career.
Guys like Luka and AD and DeAaron Fox are switching teams. Those are the type of young, franchise changing superstars that you trade the farm to get. Jimmy Butler, at his age and with his attitude, is simply not at that level. And when you factor in the contract, he starts to enter the Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram level. Still a very good player, but not worth the headache and definitely not worth the contract.
When you factor all that in, there are a limit to the number of teams that will be interested in him. No young and rebuilding team wants a malcontent vet. No successful team is going to risk their chemistry. No mediocre team wants to bring him in to grumble and complain about their record and his role. No second apron team can afford to trade for him.
So what’s left? A few teams that are on the fringes of the playoffs trying to make a push. Teams like the Warriors and the Grizzlies. And Jimmy has told both of those teams that he doesn’t want to play of for them.
It’s pretty obvious that Jimmy is struggling with something between his ears. He thought he could force his way to Phoenix (and maybe he can, but it looks like nobody wants Brad Beal). But it looks like there is nothing outside of Phoenix that will make him happy. I’m starting to believe the most likely outcome is Jimmy Butler finishing the season on a long-term suspension.
Excellent comment!
I do think he gets traded. I would say the Grizzlies are more than a fringe team sitting at 3rd seed. Of all the teams MeMe has been linked to that is the one that would be a clear-cut title threat compared to the others, even compared to the Suns.
yeah, i think the Warriors and Grizzlies are the most likely outcomes, but they’ve both made it pretty clear they’ll only trade the bare minimum for him. Basically just matching salaries. And it sounds like the Warriors would prefer KD
Bare minimum from them is better is still better then whatever suns offering.
I hope the rest of the fan base keeps this in mind when Jimmy gets traded for Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard
Caleb Martin to the Mavs.
caleb below avg player
Oh the tune is changing now?
Chris Haynes: Sources: Jimmy Butler’s camp has repeatedly told Heat he’s in shape, healthy and ready to continue his career and move past this immediately. Their messaging to Heat has been to negotiate best deal possible and once in red zone, if that team is granted permission by MIA to speak with Butler’s rep to discuss his longterm future, that dialogue would be welcomed. To date, no team has asked for permission.
lol.
Luka gets shipped out in the middle of the night with no warning, but Butler’s reps will grant teams permission for dialogue once the trade is in the red zone?
What a dumbass. No wonder nobody wants to trade for him
Yeah, his team is in damage control with that release. A little late I say 😉
Oh, look at me I’m so reasonable and in shape and just dying to find my joy anywhere. Really, I promise. Next stop, China. Collect your free pair of Starbury’s on the way through customs.
We’ve been saying Jimmy is torpedoing everything to buy the Suns time. But if they can’t the Warriors are right there waiting with open arms.
“Warriors come out and playy! “I would definitely go running into there open arms for Wiggins and 2 picks. He still in his prime at 29, former number 1 pick, a better shooter then Jimmy, and still very good Defensively. Also spo would be able to unlock championship version of Wiggins, so would definitely help with our scoring load.
Heck, at this point, I would embrace Wiggins and whoever to match salaries with no picks!
Agreed! lol
But send Payton too. One, we can claim both Payton’s. Two, we need a PG. 😉
jr cant score like daddy.glove jr can defend
He won’t need to score like that, he would mainly be a poa defender, and catch and shoot. Lineup would be jr,herro,Wiggins,bam,ware .
I’m not wanting him for scoring. He can be useful and it’s another contract to throw in to match salaries and expires.
Damm right lol
wiggins and no picks be fine