One big move. That’s what Miami supporters are urging, and the franchise is reluctant to take. Jimmy Butler’s rift with the Heat gave a clear indication that a trade could be in the works, yet nothing shaped up. On the other hand, the Warriors have been eyeing a star trade without any success through the summer. Could this season be the one where the two sides finally connect? The growing trade talks suggest that it finally could be the one.

Earlier today on First Take, Brian Windhorst claimed, “They may not wanna do anything with this roster because it’s so good, but the Warriors are the biggest candidate in my mind to make a big trade.” The ESPN Insider reminded us how the Dubs were after LeBron James at the last trade deadline. With trouble brewing in Miami, this might be a perfect opportunity for the Bay Area to welcome a third star alongside their veteran duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

While Windhorst didn’t disclose the player’s name that the Warriors are targeting, former NBA star Jeff Teague made his views clear on the matter. During the latest episode of the Club 520 Podcast, when Teague was asked about the big decision that the Heat should take this season as they have been stuck with the same roster for the last few years, the ex-guard suggested that they should let go of Jimmy Butler.

Teague agreed with host DJ Wells that it’s time for the Heat to let Butler “fly.” According to him, the Warriors should “give up Kuminga,” whereas, Miami should focus on “rebuilding.” The 36-year-old acknowledged that the Western team is on the right track and playing well, but he believes adding the Heat forward to their squad could help them reach their ultimate goal. “Jimmy can take them to possibly try to win a championship again,” he stated.

The Warriors haven’t shown interest in trading Jonathan Kuminga but their unwillingness to extend his contract could mean that they are still uncertain about the combo forward. So, including him in Butler’s trade could still be an option for the Golden State. Apart from Teague’s demand, other notable names have also chimed in on the probable trade.

Calls mount over Jimmy Butler’s potential trade

When the discussion turned to Jimmy Butler’s possible move to the Rockets on the All the Smoke podcast, Paul Pierce expressed the opinion that the Heat star would be a real asset for an experienced team like the Warriors, rather than a young Houston Rockets squad. “Jimmy to like, Golden State, or Jimmy to Milwaukee, or, you know, something like that would make a little more sense to me,” the Celtics legend stated.

Giving his own example, Pierce added that if he were to get traded at the age of 35, he would look for a franchise where he get “a chance for a chip.” The former NBA champion would have opted for a team which he could help “get over-the-top. You know, that I could add to that got these ingredients like a couple more seasonings away from like, oh, this gonna be it.” He expects the same from Butler, who couldn’t add the championship title to his name yet.

Butler’s possible final year in the Heat is off to a rocky start and if things don’t turn for the better, Pat Riley will have a decision on his hand. Who’ll be the taker? That’s a story to develop in the trade window.