The Golden State Warriors had a difficult campaign in 2023-24, finishing with a 46-36 record and missing the playoffs due to a play-in loss to the Sacramento Kings. Despite Stephen Curry averaging 26.4 points per game in the season, the Warriors were not competitive as they ranked only 18th in defense and relied too much on Curry to carry the offense.
Luckily for them, there could be a player who can save their dynasty and his name is Jimmy Butler. Butler’s future in Miami is uncertain following some uncertainties about his next contract and Pat Riley’s eyebrow-raising comments on the star player. If there is a player who could be available to make the Warriors relevant, it is Jimmy Butler.
We proposed a blockbuster deal for Butler months ago, not knowing how far the Warriors would fall as the season progressed. With the NBA Finals and the offseason just around the corner, here is what a Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler could look like.
Trade Package
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II (Accepts $9.1 million player option)
This trade will make the Warriors relevant again in the Western Conference and could make them the favorites to win the 2025 championship, but let’s dive deeper into the deal.
Golden State Warriors Form A New Big Four
With the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors would rejuvenate their championship aspirations by forming a new formidable Big Four alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson (17.9 PPG on 38.7% 3-PT FG), and Draymond Green (8.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.0 APG). This dynamic quartet would blend elite scoring, tenacious defense, and veteran leadership, creating a balanced and resilient unit.
Butler’s versatility and two-way prowess would complement Curry’s shooting, Thompson’s perimeter defense, and Green’s playmaking, allowing the Warriors to exploit matchups and execute their signature fast-paced, small-ball style.
By integrating Butler (20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.0 APG), the Warriors would not only reinforce their current core but also inject a fresh competitive edge, potentially revitalizing their dynasty and positioning them as strong contenders for the 2025 NBA title.
The synergy of these four seasoned stars, each with a proven track record in high-stakes situations, would make Golden State a formidable opponent, rekindling the championship spirit that has defined the franchise’s recent history. It never hurts to add toughness and another elite on-ball defender to a championship core.
Miami Heat Re-Tool Without Having To Pay Butler A Max Contract
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat face significant concerns about committing to a max contract for the 34-year-old Jimmy Butler, particularly after his injury-plagued season, which led to him missing the playoffs entirely. By trading Butler, the Heat can retool their roster around the younger core of Bam Adebayo (26) and Tyler Herro (24), who have already shown promise as foundational pieces.
This move would provide Miami with greater financial flexibility and an opportunity to build a more sustainable future. Adebayo’s defensive prowess and versatility, combined with Herro’s scoring ability and playmaking, form a dynamic duo that can be further complemented with strategic acquisitions and the development of younger talent.
This retooling approach enables the Heat to stay competitive while avoiding the potential pitfalls of an aging star’s hefty contract, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
A New Force In The Western Conference For The Next Two Seasons
The Golden State Warriors, with the addition of Jimmy Butler, face a critical two-year window to maximize their championship potential. Butler, approaching 35, joins a core where Stephen Curry will turn 37, Klay Thompson 35, and Draymond Green 35 next season. This tight timeline necessitates an all-in approach, aiming to secure at least one more title and cement Curry, Thompson, and Green as five-time champions, solidifying their legacy in NBA history.
The Warriors can go in two directions: go all-in to win at least one more championship or blow up the roster by letting Klay Thompson walk in free agency and looking to trade Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Going for Butler fits the first condition as the Warriors can create a new Big Four that will almost certainly win one NBA championship at least.
While the Warriors push for immediate success, the Miami Heat, freed from the financial burden of Butler’s potential max contract, can strategically retool and focus on building a younger, more sustainable team around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, ensuring their competitive future in the league.
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