After weeks of back-and-forth, Jimmy Butler is finally going to the Golden State Warriors. This trade came after Jimmy was heavily favored to land in Phoenix Suns. However, the Warriors moved their final piece and bagged Butler after their unsuccessful pursuit of Kevin Durant.
Earlier, Durant was rumored to move to the Bay Area team and finally have a reunion. And parallelly, Butler was rumored to be headed to Phoenix, where teaming up with Durant and Devin Booker. However, complications arose concerning Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause, which restricted the Suns’ options.
The Suns’ inability to facilitate Beal’s departure ultimately left them with narrow choices. This left the Warriors with no option but to return to their interest in Butler. However, NBA’s top insider, Shams Charania, recently opened up about what played behind the curtains.
“Throughout the last week, the Warriors had really focused their attention on Kevin Durant. But Kevin Durant had indicated in league circles that he had no desire to go to Golden State, to reunite with the Warriors. So today in quick order, the Warriors and the Miami Heat, this is an agreement and they are acquiring Jimmy Butler in a trade,” Charania said.
"Kevin Durant indicated in league circles that he had no desire to go to Golden State and reunite with the Warriors."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 6, 2025
– Shams Charania on why the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler. pic.twitter.com/YtfLmWbpln
The long-awaited trade has now finally taken place, Butler could see his coming time getting adapted in the Warriors roster.
“After an almost 2 month-long saga between the Heat and Jimmy Butler, he is now out. He’s going to Western Conference home, a hopeful contender. He’s going to join Stephen Curry-Draymond Green. They’ve been looking all year for a star player to join those two in that Warriors rotation and lineup,” he added.
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Jimmy Butler Is Expected To Complement The Warriors Roster
The Warriors’ Jimmy Butler acquisition comes at a critical juncture for the team. They are aiming to shake up their roster amidst a challenging season. With Stephen Curry as the only player averaging over 18 points per game prior to Butler’s arrival, the Warriors were in urgent need of offensive support.
BREAKING: The Miami Heat are finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/82mWHKCnVM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Butler’s playoff experience could add depth to the roster, enhancing the Warriors’ competitive edge in the Western Conference. Despite concerns about his age and recent tumultuous tenure with Miami, Butler has a proven track record.
By parting with Andrew Wiggins and several other assets, the Warriors are banking on Butler’s skills and experience to help them at best. They managed to secure a two-year, $121 million extension for him, clearly indicating their confidence despite the uncertainties surrounding his fit within the team’s dynamics. If anything, Golden State is banking on him for a longer stint.
