As free agency looms, it looks like the Warriors want Klay Thompson to stay, but do not wish to overshoot their budget. While Klay’s pending decision has been the talk of the town ever since their season ended early, Anthony Slater’s latest report suggests that talks of any extension between Klay and his current team have essentially frozen. With no offer on the table, it seems almost certain that Klay will test the waters as a free agent. And this silent treatment from Joe Lacob hints at his possible interest in Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler.

Discussing Klay’s future on 95.7 The Game radio, host Evan Giddings dissected Slater’s report and claimed, “They’re (Warriors) trying to acquire a big player.” Although Lacob likely doesn’t want to let go of Klay completely, there is a possibility that he is okay with the sharpshooter seeking other options in free agency only to realize that staying with the Warriors might be his best bet. And that will eventually lead to Klay accepting an offer that the Warriors prefer, which is likely somewhere around $20 million annually.

“That doesn’t sound like Klay is a priority to me. That sounds like Klay is an ancillary piece to the bigger picture,” Giddings derived from the looks of things. Meanwhile, the Warriors still want to focus on their goal of returning to title contention next season, and that will require them to add another superstar. Moreover, he also revealed one more issue that the Warriors are trying to tackle, saying, “It has to mean to me that they’re trying to see how they can configure adding another piece and still staying under that second apron.”

Jimmy Butler could be the missing piece for them. Despite his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Butler has been eyeing a two-year $113 million extension with the Heat, sparking rumors about a possible trade. And the Warriors have reportedly shown interest in acquiring him in case he becomes available. But will Butler’s personality fit well in the Warriors’ culture?

Does Jimmy Butler fit in to become Steph Curry’s Robin?

Playing the last five seasons in Miami, Jimmy has led the Heat to two NBA finals and become a beloved superstar in the city. Although his unique personality fits perfectly with Pat Riley’s Heat Culture, Jimmy has also had instances with his previous teams where his persona was too much to handle for them. Arguably, the biggest example of that is when he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017.

Demanding a trade from the team after just one season, Butler famously dominated the Wolves starters in practice while teaming up with a bunch of reserves. “Y’all think that team can win without me? I’m him! Pay me! Pay me!” he kept yelling at their front office during that whole ordeal, eventually getting traded after playing just 10 games that season.

And joining a star-studded team like the Warriors could go either way for Butler. But Joe Lacob might be willing to take that risk because the Warriors need to improve their roster if they want any shot at winning the title next season. Moreover, there are high chances that they will also part ways with veteran guard Chris Paul and utilize his $30 million non-guaranteed salary to acquire a bigger star.

To add more flexibility, the Warriors and Paul have also had discussions to push his guaranteed date to next month, which could see him joining his 3rd team in 3 years. And that might give them room to give Butler the $113 million he demands and also keep Klay Thompson in the Bay Area, all while staying under the second apron of luxury tax.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.