The Golden State Warriors will not be landing Jimmy Butler this trade season, according to ESPN’s Brian Widnhorst. Butler has categorically denied signing a long-term extension with the Warriors. As a result, the Warriors will be bowing out of trade discussion for the 35-year-old star as Butler’s future continues to be uncertain.
“The Heat’s Jimmy Butler has communicated to the Warriors that he’s unwilling to sign an extension there & therefore trade talks to send him to Golden State have ended for now, sources told ESPN.”
This takes out a major candidate for the Warriors in terms of major targets, especially after Zach LaVine also got moved to the Sacramento Kings earlier today. It also reduces the chances of Butler getting moved to any team this season, with the Phoenix Suns once again looking like the only tangible destination for Butler to end up on.
Butler could potentially be moved to the Memphis Grizzlies despite making it clear he doesn’t want to join that franchise. The Grizzlies could take a half-season punt on Butler to try and maximize their chances this season, especially if Butler keeps bluffing and telling teams he won’t sign an extension with them.
There is no way Butler is willing to test free agency with no contending teams having space to sign him. The only way he can get his max contract is if he joins the Suns, which he can’t do as a free agent. The Heat have been calling his bluff throughout, but it seems teams like the Warriors aren’t willing to take the risk.
Golden State might be out of actual options to chase after as a major difference-maker. It seems like Nikola Vucevic is the best player still on their radar. With Butler flat-out rejecting a trade to the Warriors, the team is going to wait till the summer before revamping the squad as they’ve run into a wall this season.
Butler will continue agitating for a move, but the Heat might just trade him wherever they can get an offer from. They are completely done with Butler and his antics, so he should be careful going forward unless he gets stuck on an indefinite suspension with the Heat, which will directly affect the money he’s already entitled to.
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