The Golden State Warriors are not ready to give up on their championship core. In fact, according to NBA insider Nick Friedell, they have ambitions that could include the pursuit of two-way swingman Jimmy Butler.
“Jimmy Butler’s name has popped up in the conversation,” said Friedell on 95.7 The Game. “I think it’s a fit on paper, but I’m not sure how he fits into that locker room as the alpha personality that he is and I don’t know if, after all the wear and tear on his knees, the Warriors would want to give him that extension. That would scare the hell out of me.”
Butler, 34, is one of the best two-way players in the game. The 6x All-Star averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season on 49.9% shooting. He’s been with the Heat since 2019 and has led them to two Finals appearances over five years.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Butler appeared to be on the decline and he couldn’t stay healthy enough to help the Heat keep their season alive past the first round. Despite their recent struggles, Butler remains committed to the Heat and has not expressed any signs of leaving.
The team, however, may feel differently. After failing to make the playoffs again, Pat Riley was noticeably disappointed with his team and even called out Butler for taunting the squad that beat them. Now, there are whispers that the Heat may be ready to move on from Jimmy to rebuild around Bam Adebayo.
Whatever happens there next, it’s no surprise the Warriors are in hot pursuit. 36-year-old Stephen Curry is still one of the best in the world and having a running mate like Butler could be all he needs to take the Warriors to the top of the standings.
If they’re able to keep the star-studded core together, as many predict, Butler could slide in like a missing piece to provide key defense on the wing and hit big shots down the stretch of games. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Butler will not be easily available.
Jimmy Butler Only Has Eyes For The Heat
Butler is known as an NBA journeyman for his stints with the Bulls, Timberwolves, and 76ers. In each of those teams, Butler struggled to fit in and he was pushed out of town. Now that he’s with the Heat, Butler is free to be himself and he says he doesn’t want to play anywhere else.
“Jimmy Butler is due for a contract extension this summer,” said Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee show. “It has been heavily reported that Butler is looking for the maximum in terms of his impending payday, but more recent reports have confirmed that has no desire to play anywhere but South Beach.”
With Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and Bam Adebayo, Butler has it made with the Heat and he gets to live in one of the most popular party cities on the East Coast. At this stage of his career, Jimmy has no desire to change teams and give up his beach life.
Butler will do whatever it takes to stay right where he’s at, and it will make things very interesting this summer if the Heat decide to put the 6x All-Star on the trade block.
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