The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads. Their dynasty around Stephen Curry is aging, their young pieces haven’t developed as hoped, and they’re floating around the lottery of the Western Conference pack—a place no team with Stephen Curry should ever be.
If there’s one move that could reignite their title hopes, it’s landing a battle-tested playoff assassin like Jimmy Butler. Enter the Miami Heat, a franchise that’s reached its breaking point with Butler after multiple suspensions and ongoing tension. They’re eager to move on, and they’d love to reset their timeline with a younger star like Brandon Ingram. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans—fully embracing their rebuild—have made it clear that moving Ingram is a priority.
This three-team trade could be the solution for all parties involved. The Warriors would land Butler, giving them the defensive versatility and playoff pedigree they’ve lacked since losing Draymond Green to injury. Miami would get Ingram, a dynamic scoring forward who fits their system while extending their championship window beyond Butler’s final years.
And the Pelicans? They’d add Andrew Wiggins, a steady two-way player who can mentor their young core, along with valuable depth pieces in Gary Payton II and Alec Burks.
For Golden State, this isn’t just about winning now—it’s about maximizing Curry’s twilight years. Butler’s grit, defense, and ability to step up in the biggest moments make him a perfect fit for a Warriors team looking for one last dance. But will all sides be willing to take the gamble? Let’s break down why this deal makes sense for everyone involved.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler, 2027 Second-Round Pick (NOP via CHI)
Miami Heat Receive: Brandon Ingram, Kyle Anderson, Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Alec Burks
Golden State Warriors Keep The Dynasty Alive And Make Playoff Push
The Golden State Warriors know their championship window is closing, but as long as Stephen Curry is still lacing them up, they have to go all-in to not remain as an ‘average team’. Jimmy Butler is a proven winner in the playoffs who elevates his game when it matters most.
Even if he has hardly put an ounce of effort this season, Butler is still putting up 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while maintaining his signature defensive presence. Pairing him with Curry would immediately make the Warriors a more dangerous playoff team, as Butler thrives in high-stakes situations—something this current Warriors squad sorely lacks.
With Draymond Green’s availability constantly in question due to injuries and suspensions, Butler’s ability to guard multiple positions and bring intensity on both ends of the floor is exactly what the Warriors need. His two-way dominance would give Curry a co-star who can take over when needed. More importantly, Butler fits into their culture of competitiveness and selflessness—if there’s any team that can handle his fiery personality, it’s Golden State.
Giving up a first-round pick and young talent like Moses Moody stings, but the Warriors don’t have the luxury of patience. Wiggins has been inconsistent at best this season, averaging 17.2 points on 44.3% shooting. The team is stuck in a play-in spot with no clear path to contention—unless they take a big swing.
Butler might be 35, but his leadership, defensive mindset and playoff experience make him the perfect addition to give the Warriors one last legitimate title shot before Curry eventually rides off into the sunset. It might even be that Butler accepts his $52.4 million player option for next season or negotiates a long-term deal with the Warriors.
Miami Heat Replace Butler With The Talented And Younger Ingram
It’s no secret that the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are heading toward an ugly divorce. Butler has already been suspended three times this season, and reports suggest he’s eager to leave—just not to Memphis.
While Butler has given Miami some legendary playoff moments, his frequent injuries and declining explosiveness make it clear that his best days are behind him. Enter Brandon Ingram, a 27-year-old scoring machine who is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season.
Ingram may not have Butler’s defensive tenacity, but he’s a perfect fit for Miami’s system. He gives them a true three-level scorer who can create his own shot, something the Heat have desperately needed next to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
At nearly 6’9″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, Ingram provides positional versatility, allowing Miami to deploy him as a small-ball four in Erik Spoelstra’s creative schemes. His playmaking has also improved, making him a more well-rounded offensive weapon than ever before.
By moving Butler, the Heat not only get younger, but they also extend their competitive window. They add Kyle Anderson, a steady veteran who fits Miami’s defensive mindset, along with Moses Moody, a promising young wing with untapped potential.
The 2026 first-round pick from Golden State provides additional flexibility, whether they use it to develop young talent or package it for another star down the line. Miami avoids the risk of losing Butler for nothing while getting a younger, more controllable asset in return—this is the kind of forward-thinking move that keeps the Heat relevant in the Eastern Conference.
New Orleans Pelicans Finally Move Ingram For New Pieces
The New Orleans Pelicans have been stuck in limbo for too long, and it’s time to make a decision. Zion Williamson’s future with the team remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Brandon Ingram is on the trade block.
At 12-35, the Pelicans are spiraling out of the playoff picture, and with Ingram approaching his late 20s, keeping him around for a rebuild doesn’t make much sense. This deal gives them an opportunity to reset by acquiring multiple valuable role players without taking on long-term salary commitments.
Andrew Wiggins may not be the All-Star-caliber player he was during Golden State’s 2022 title run, but he still has value as a two-way wing. He’s averaging 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shooting 37.8% from three—numbers that could even improve with a fresh start in New Orleans.
Gary Payton II brings elite perimeter defense and championship experience, while Alec Burks provides much-needed shooting and secondary playmaking off the bench. None of these players will transform the Pelicans overnight, but they complement their young core while keeping future financial flexibility intact.
For New Orleans, this trade is about moving forward. Ingram has been a solid player for the Pelicans, but it’s clear that he hasn’t been able to elevate the franchise beyond mediocrity. With draft picks and cap space in their future, the Pelicans can focus on building around younger players and potentially pivoting to a larger rebuild.
This move sets the stage for a more coherent, long-term strategy—one that doesn’t involve keeping one foot in the past with Ingram and even Zion Williamson who could be the next one to leave the franchise with the way things are going.
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