Jimmy Butler is ready to set the trade market on fire. Denied a contract extension, the 35-year-old, 6x All-Star is now the ultimate prize. Teams are gearing up for an all-out brawl to land the championship-chasing forward. But hold on—Butler has a wish list, and the drama is just getting started!
On The Mismatch podcast, Chris Vernon and David Jacoby dived into the fiery trade rumors swirling around him. Butler’s raking in over $48 million with the Miami Heat this year, but things are heating up. After Pat Riley’s cold rejection, whispers say Butler might just snub a $113 million extension.
The podcast hosts spilled the tea: “He’s (Jimmy Butler) got $49 million this year, and a $52 million player option next year. But the idea is, ‘Hey, don’t trade me.’ And the agent says, ‘Hey, don’t trade him to here, here, here, because he’s not re-signing.'” Drama much? On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped a bomb—Miami might just be ready to part ways with Jimmy Buckets. But hold on, his agent Bernie Lee is stirring the pot, hinting that the 35-year-old star has his eye on some spicy new destinations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This includes his hometown Houston Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors. So, Vernon and Jacoby added: “You know, the expectation is he wants to get another contract to sign up for long-term going forward. But the agent evidently has said, the Rockets, Mavs, and Warriors are teams that he would be open to.” Interestingly enough, the Heat superstar allegedly expressed his interest in the Golden State Warriors.
Rumors around the trade market now suggest that Mike Dunleavy Jr. might pursue Jimmy Butler, along with LeBron James. Rumors say the Heat might trade Butler for less value. The reason? “We could not come to an agreement.” Meanwhile, the Warriors are in a tough spot. They need a missing piece. Someone to help Curry and Green chase their fifth title before retirement.
Jimmy Butler’s wish list and the Warriors’ desires are aligning for something grand, maybe?
The Golden State Warriors are in a bit of a dilemma with Jonathan Kuminga’s future. There are possibilities that Mike Dunleavy Jr. might give the 22-year-old guard a second chance. However, is he going to be the big star the Dubs are looking for? The Mismatch hosts aren’t so sure about that.
Therefore, they feel the Jimmy Butler and Warriors speculation is the best option for both parties. “The Warriors are the best. I mean, in terms of, that was the one that would scare me the most if I’m the rest of the league. If they added him to Draymond and Curry,” they opined.
Now, ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst has come up with even bigger news. He says, Jimmy Butler is the biggest name in the February trade market, besides Jonathan Kuminga. Butler has been one since last spring “When the heat made it clear they were not going to extend his contract.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jimmy Butler and LeBron James are two stars on the Warriors’ radar, per @windhorstespn 👀
Could you see either of them playing in Golden State? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qrInvrqZiE
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 11, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He added: “The Warriors had been really active and trying to look for a star player. They kicked the tires on a couple of other stars over the summer, and if Jimmy Butler is available and the Warriors feel like they need to upgrade, that could be.” But who else is on their list? That’s LeBron James, and this is one of the most fascinating opportunities in the league. It’s a delicious scenario to think about. Moreover, the Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year.
So, as the trade market continues to heat up, Jimmy Butler becomes the biggest name on the trade list. Now, the question is where will he end up? Because, of course, the Warriors aren’t the only suitors in line. The Lakers, Rockets, and Mavs would be preying on the hooper. However, we’ve got to wait until further updates drop in. Therefore, all we can do now is- wait and watch!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Could Jimmy Butler be the missing piece for the Warriors' next championship run?
What’s your perspective on:
Could Jimmy Butler be the missing piece for the Warriors' next championship run?
Have an interesting take?