NBA Trade Rumors: Draymond Green Could Sabotage Warriors’ Jimmy Butler Dream Despite $30 Million Blessing

With the 2023-24 NBA season set to conclude a few weeks from now, the time has now come to make some big decisions. Decisions over the changes that the various league franchises will undertake as they include/exclude certain players from their roster. One player who has recently become the target of a trade rumor is Miami Heat star player Jimmy Butler, who may end up finding a new home within Draymond Green’s Golden State Warriors.

This was vividly discussed on the episode for ‘95.7 The Game’  by Long-time radio hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. Willard and Dibley discussed what the potential trade would look like, with striking comparisons made between the Miami Heat star and the 30-year-old NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Willard believes that while both individuals share a comparison in the fact that they are dominating personalities, there are also people who tend to wear out the people around them. This, according to the two hosts, would present a situation that Draymond Green would not be willing to accept.

“If he came to a situation like this, it would be more difficult for him to alienate and exert his will with Draymond Green in the building,” said Dan Dibley.

If circumstances allow Butler to enter the Warriors, then the two hosts believe that the star athlete can be traded in exchange for either Andrew Wiggins or Chris Paul. Plus, if the Warriors would really be interested in pursuing Butler, the major question would be: do they have enough assets to beat the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have more to offer to the 6x All-Star?

Two options can be played out here:

Option 1

If the Warriors want Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat would get Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, and Kevon Looney among other first-round picks.

And then, there’s one more option that can be altered here. Warriors can include Wiggins in the trade, and potentially look to add Klay Thompson as well. Or they could look to add Chris Paul to make space for the $48.7 million that Butler will make in the next season. While Thompson still has a few good years left, nothing can be said about Chris Paul, if Miami would really be interested in him. His expiring contract does still have potential value.

Option 2

Warriors get Jimmy Butler, but in exchange Heat get Andrew Wiggins, one out of Klay Thompson or Chris Paul, Brandin Podziemski, and a couple of other first-round picks.

This way, the Warriors would have a chance to take Butler in, if the Heat does put him in a trade scenario this off-season. There’s already a contract dispute going on between him and his current team, so it’s highly probable.

These kinds of trade options have the power to uplift the Warriors’ cause and make them relevant again to become a favorite in the 2025 Championship run.

In any scenario, it could be a win for Butler as well. He is already seeking a $113 million extension. Therefore, it would be a cost-saving measure for the Heat to take in Chris Paul in exchange, who will serve under a $30 million/year contract till the 2024-25 season.

“I think their thought process is, he’s (Butler’s) 34, he’s only getting older, we’re getting further away and he’s a pain in the rear,” said Willard when guessing the Heat management’s thought process. “Let’s see if we can change this up a little bit, and if you’re changing it up, are you going Andrew Wiggins or are you going ‘Let’s get a bunch of ‘Salary Room’ because that’s what Chris Paul would represent”.

Why including Jimmy Butler in the Golden State Warriors roster would work?

Jimmy Butler did not have a good stroke of luck this season after an MCL Sprain prevented him from participating in the Miami Heat’s Play-In Tournament. Prior to his exit, however, he had proven his worth by securing an average score of 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5 assists during the regular season game. By partnering up with the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, a formidable Big Four Offensive team can be created that could be the very thing that the franchise needs. By roping him in, they can reinforce their core in a rather competitive manner, which will help them be a much stronger franchise.

Butler is versatile. His on-court skills will complement those of Curry’s, and the others on the roster. Together, the four of them can easily put to use their capabilities to secure the Championship ring they all are deserving of.

Plus, the 6x NBA All-Star’s inclusion can also help to provide some clarity on the uncertain future of the Warriors. Stephen Curry is 36 years old and, while he has not indicated anything of this nature, may look to retire sometime in the future. Klay Thompson is set to enter unrestricted free agency and may end up making a decision that is not in favor of the Warriors. In addition to all this, Draymond Green’s suspensions last year indicated that the franchise needs a player who can replace him in the forward position.

Do you think that Jimmy Butler will be a worthwhile contribution to the Warriors roster? What dynamic do you expect him to form with his teammates? Let us know in the comments down below.

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