In a high-profile trade, the Golden State Warriors have reportedly acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat just before the NBA trade deadline. The deal was finalized an hour before the Warriors faced the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Butler, who declined his $52 million player option with the Heat, agreed to a two-year, $112 million contract extension with the Warriors, securing his stay through the 2026-27 season.
The trade marks a significant shift for Butler, who had expressed his desire to leave Miami earlier in January due to stalled contract negotiations. Reports suggest that the Heat will receive Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Butler. This move brings Butler to join veteran stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the Warriors fight for a play-in berth in the Western Conference.
Butler's tenure with the Heat was marked by success, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. However, his relationship with the team soured over contract disputes. As of Wednesday, Butler was serving his third suspension, attributed to "a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services."
"I think the league should consider making the trade deadline at the All-Star break," said Warriors' coach Steve Kerr, expressing frustration over the timing of trades after their loss to the Jazz. Kerr refrained from discussing specifics of the deal until it was officially finalized.
Despite averaging 17 points and 5.2 rebounds over 25 games this season—his lowest since the 2013-14 season—Butler's addition is expected to bolster the Warriors' playoff aspirations. Butler arrived in Miami from Philadelphia in 2019, and his departure concludes months of trade speculation with the Heat.
