After having lost Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors were on the lookout for a replacement. They tried their hands for Paul George and even Lauri Markkanen briefly. However, none of the moves fell in their favor, resulting in them taking a condensed approach. They decided to hard cap at the second apron, using their non-taxpayer exception in signing De’Anthony Melton. But they did so keeping in mind the unclear future of Jimmy Butler.

His contract situation with the Heat has stalled. It’s certain that he will become an unrestricted free agent next year. And The Athletic’s Sam Amick believes the Bay Area has made inquiries with the Heat to formulate a future trade for the six-time All-Star.

“Not free agency-wise, talking trade-wise. A couple of guys who come to mind: Jimmy Butler is going to be a free agent next summer. Didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors, as you know, have an interest there and, I think, probably made a couple of calls during the summer. That name comes to mind,” he said on the TK Show.

So why not just pursue him prior to signing Melton? After all, they signaled their extended championship aspirations by securing the franchise ace Stephen Curry till 2026-27. The reason is trade complications. At the moment, the Warriors have 14 players under contract on their payroll with roughly $12 million to work with.

Butler, who will earn $48 million this season would have required key assets to be transported to the Heat if they were to act with urgency. Maybe a package of Wiggins and Podziemski would be considered acceptable by the inflexible Pat Riley. But those components are essential if the Warriors are to be a competing organization in the future.

Additionally, with only 14 players on the roster, losing multiple pawns would significantly deplete their depth. If injuries do hamper their season, it would result in a catastrophe for Steve Kerr having to work with a tight range of options. Hence, Dunleavy decided to avail the benefits of staying under the second apron when the next season rolls out.

Jimmy Butler would be an amazing fit, but the Heat can still act

After having lost Thompson, the Warriors desperately require greater wing talent. Buddy Hield does address the spacing they lost, but he isn’t the two-way phenom that Jimmy Butler is. Even though he will be 35, his contributions haven’t declined massively. Furthermore, in the playoffs, he awakens his ruthless side. The grit besides Curry could work magic.

However, while it could conveniently play out for the Warriors, their patience might also bite them back. And it all hinges on Butler’s performance this season.

Miami will surely assess his morale and determination as he has decided to play out the final year of his contract. If Jimmy Buckets does shine alongside Bam and Tyler Herro, they will continue to extract every bit of him to end the campaign. But if his disgruntled relationship with Riley begins to hamper his play, there is always the trade deadline to shake up the roster.

It’s not just the Warriors who would want Butler at that point. Inching closer to the postseason, a competing team would welcome a flourishing playoff performer with open arms, even if it means taking on his contract. In that scenario, the Warriors’ well-calculated plan could instantly fall apart.

There was a lot of risk in waiting for an entire season. But if the franchise did indeed make contact and have an agreement in place, only then would they normally be comfortable taking a relaxed position for the upcoming season. Do you want to see Jimmy Butler play besides Stephen Curry? Let us know what you think in the comments below.