The Warriors are keen to add another star to pair with Steph Curry as the team’s championship window with him gets closer to closing, but Jimmy Butler probably won’t be that star, according it multiple sources.
Golden State had interest in the 36-year-old and ‘made a couple of calls’ over summer about it.
But, now that the Heat are officially shopping him around, don’t expect the Dubs to be hot on Jimmy’s heels.
“The Warriors, according to league sources, were “skittish” about adding Butler even amid reports that the Miami Heat star would be interested in coming to Golden State,” NBC’s Monte Poole says.
The Athletic shared similar insight:
“…according to a source close to Butler, the Warriors are not currently seen as a viable option and there have been no substantive talks or traction to get any type of deal done. Butler’s history and reputation is as a premium two-way perimeter player — which the Warriors could use. Some credence exists to the idea that his midrange repertoire and defensive prowess could elevate the Warriors into that next tier of playoff threat. But Butler’s age and injury history makes him a risky choice. His price tag makes him an untenable option.”
Butler makes $48.8 million this season, with a $52.4 million player option for next season.
To facilitate a deal to get Butler to Golden State, the Warriors would need to include Andrew Wiggins ($26.2 million) or Draymond Green ($24.1 million) to match salaries. The deal would also have to include other role players within the team – so you’d be betting your house on Himmy Buckets.
It’s a lot to give up for a player who missed 18 regular-season games in the 2022-23 season, 22 last season and has only played in 12 out of 32 games so far this season due to multiple injuries.
It was also recently reported that the Mavericks and Rockets don’t have interest in Butler, while the Suns look to only be able to facilitate a deal if a third team was to become involved.
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