The Golden State Warriors are actively pursuing top players in the NBA trade market as they aim for one more championship with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Jimmy Butler, a six-time All-Star with the Miami Heat, emerges as their prime target.
Recently, Heat president Pat Riley made it clear that the team had no intention of trading Butler. However, following Butler’s comments after a loss to the Indiana Pacers, that stance may need to be reconsidered.
After the 128-115 defeat, Butler expressed to reporters, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball.” He added, “I’m happy here, off the court. I want to be back somewhere dominant. I want to hoop.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, influential figures in NBA reporting, suggested that Butler’s preferred destination is “Anywhere other than Miami.”
This possibility should be appealing to the Warriors. Although Butler may be slightly past his peak, he remains a highly skilled two-way player.
“[Butler] believes he can make any team a contender — no matter where he is moved,” Charania and Windhorst noted. They also reported that, according to sources, Butler intends to fully participate in team activities and fulfill any responsibilities the Heat may have for him during this period.
While Butler’s desire to continue playing for a team that has diminished his “joy” is significant, the Warriors only need to focus on one key aspect: Butler is determined to win.
