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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been a man of demand this offseason for the NBA teams. The Heat player has a contract with his team for $48.8 million next season. Next year, he has a player option for season 2025-26. But Playoff Jimmy is inclined to sign a $113 million max contract extension with Miami for two years. However, Pat Riley and Co. has not agreed to such demand as it is still a big demand on his part. Therefore, the chances of Butler messing up things are higher. On top of that, the Golden State Warriors are looking to get below the luxury tax and acquire Jimmy from Miami if they let him go.
As per Athletic insider Anthony Slater and his offseason preview podcast discussions, he “would expect the Warriors to enter the conversation to at least some degree” if they shop Butler. The Heat forward has averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists while shooting 85.8% from the free-throw line. Moreover, he has been extremely explosive this season. Added to his skills, Butler would be a great addition to the Warriors roster. But it looks like Stephen Curry is not ready for it yet.
Curry: "I can never see myself not with (Klay and Draymond) … we've experienced so much together. At the end of the day I know they want to win, I know I want to win. That's all I'm worried about."
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) April 17, 2024
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While talking to an ESPN insider, Steph stated last month, “I can never see myself not with (Klay and Draymond) … we’ve experienced so much together.” However, with Klay Thompson’s injury history, there is a chance that the Warriors are ready to lose the shooting guard for the sake of preserving themselves from luxury tax. But Klay is not the only one who might be dropped off the roster. There is another player who might lose his place because of Jimmy Butler.
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Jimmy Butler can disintegrate the Warriors Dynasty with his free agency!
Apart from Klay Thompson, another Warriors player who will be affected by Butler’s trade is Chris Paul. The GSW has until 28th June to guarantee his $30 million salary for the 2024-25 season. However, Butler will completely disrupt the equation as he will get a max-extension if he comes to the Warriors. Therefore, to avoid Luxury tax, GSW might waive both Kevon Looney and Chris Paul. This will make both players enter a free-agency period with $137 million in committed compensation.
In short, such waivers will put the Warriors $34 million below the luxury tax and $54 million under the second apron, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. It has a big advantage for the Warriors’ governor, Joe Lacob, as his number one priority for now is to get out of the tax. Letting go of Chris Paul will necessarily give him the space to acquire assets like Jimmy Butler.
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Stephen Curry is looking to win his fifth championship, and he needs reliable assets in the team for that. Considering the Miami Heat forward’s scores and role-playing skills, he might prove fruitful for Curry. However, that all lies in the future. Before letting us know your thoughts, watch out for what Shaq’s confidante and ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.