Since initially demanding a trade from the Miami Heat in early January, Jimmy Butler and his team have found themselves at a crossroads. After boldly reiterating his trade request, Butler was suspended for seven games for conduct determined detrimental to team success. He returned to the team last Friday and looked disinterested in two appearances.
Jimmy Butler's days in Miami are over; it's only a matter of time before he gets moved. Any hope that Butler and Miami's relationship could be restored has passed, and the Heat must move him before the deadline; if they don't, he can leave the team in free agency this summer.
Despite the small forward outwardly stating that he wants to play anywhere other than Miami, few teams pose as viable trade suitors. Butler has displayed an interest in a deal to Phoenix, but Bradley Beal's no-trade clause adds major complications to that deal, and Miami is likely uninspired by Beal's age, declining numbers, and monster contract. A deal with the Golden State Warriors makes the most sense for all parties involved.
The Warriors deal young assets. The Miami Heat retools a young roster.
With a 21-21 record, the Golden State Warriors currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference. Three years removed from their last championship, and with Stephen Curry in the twilight of his career, Golden State is looking to make a splash for their last few runs at a championship.
Over the last few seasons, the Warriors' supporting cast has been unable to help Curry elevate the Warriors to anything better than the sixth seed, and many players have been floated in trade rumors in that span. Andrew Wiggins and Johnathan Kuminga are two names who have consistently headlined those rumors.
Miami has missed their championship window, and they will be looking to retool their roster as they head into a rebuilding phase. Wiggins could offer a veteran presence for a young Miami squad, or they could trade him for assets if they don't see the 29-year-old fitting their timeline. Jonathan Kuminga, who looks poised to blossom in an increased role, would fit nicely in Miami's future.
The contracts wouldn't quite match in this swap, likely requiring Golden State to send another piece to Miami. Either Brandin Podizemski and Moses Moody would round out the transaction and not be a major loss for the Warriors. While both looked like promising young stars not long ago, they have fizzled out.
To complete the deal, the Warriors will also have to involve some draft capital. Two first-round picks seem like the realistic price for Butler, and the Warriors shouldn't be reluctant to deal those assets. They are likely to be mid-round picks at best, and the Warriors aren't in the market to develop young talent while they try to maximize the end of Curry's career. Here's what the final trade details would look like:
Jimmy Butler's potential fit with the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler would be paired with a Hall of Fame running mate, Stephen Curry, likely satisfying his desire to play for a championship-contending team. Butler would offer a similar attitude and edge to Draymond Green, transforming the confused identity of the current Warriors squad. Although a worse shooter, Butler would mimic Klay Thompson's role from the Warriors dynasty.
The Warriors have tried and failed with their young supporting cast, leaving them desperate for another experienced, talented veteran to get them over the hump, and Butler is just that. He has plenty of playoff experience and was the driving force of two close calls in the NBA finals just a few years ago. Jimmy has consistently been tasked as the #1 option for Miami's championship runs but may be better suited as a secondary star alongside Steph.
A pairing between Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors offers the most realistic shot for both parties to succeed in their championship desires.