Warriors pursued Jimmy Butler after Paul George, Lauri Markkanen trade talks
Can the Warriors get Jimmy Butler to play in the Bay alongside Chef Curry?
After missing out on targets like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen this offseason, the Golden State Warriors remain looking for stars who might become available on the trade market. The goal for the Warriors is to build a title threat around Stephen Curry continually, and it appears that another player is already in their sights. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is among the players Golden State keeps tabs on.
“Jimmy Butler’s going to be a free agent next summer, didn’t get an extension done,” Amick said. “The Warriors, as you know, have an interest there, and I think probably made a couple of calls during the summer.”
As Amick observes, the Warriors aren’t in a position to pursue top free agents due to their salary cap situation, so if they acquire a star to complement Curry, they’ll almost certainly need to do so via trade. Golden State will be hoping for the “wheels to fall off” for a would-be contender, resulting in an All-Star caliber player seeking a change of scenery, Amick notes. Butler is entering what could be a contract year in Miami.
Although Butler seems to be committed to the Heat, the six-time All-Star has reportedly told the team he won’t sign an extension before next summer. He will reevaluate his options next offseason when he holds a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
