“Pat Riley forcing Jimmy Butler to be a Heat is doing nothing but messing with the chemistry in the locker room!!! Just trade the man. My god”. Big Perk’s remarks about the ongoing Miami situation are just one among several opinions. From Butler stating “I want my joy back… I want to play with a dominant team” to the front office suspending the vet for 7 games, what could’ve been a simple trade process has now brought unwanted drama. Amidst this, a former Warriors GM has come out to defend the 35-year-old!

Bob Myers discussed Jimmy Butler on the NBA Countdown. He gave his praise to Coach Spo, calling him “one of the best coaches in the NBA”. He showcased his sympathy for franchise president Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler, who’s “tired”, amid the ongoing trade situation. After all, as the team looks to establish a memorable season, adding extra drama is not the right way to go.

At the same time, Myers believes that adding drama is just part of Butler’s charm, stating, “You want Jimmy Butler? Part of the package is drama.” A warning that not only stands out for the Heat front office but for any franchise that may acquire the player.

“He helps you win. He’s not about numbers. Jimmy Butler plays both ends of the floor, and he wins. But Jimmy Butler has decided ‘I’m done’. And Jimmy Butler seems like he’s going to do everything he can to create disruption,” said Bob Myers.

“And the last thing you want, when you’re trying to win in this league, as a president of basketball, as a coach, and I would ask you as a player is ‘It’s hard enough. Don’t add drama, or chaos, or disruption.’ And that is what is making this thing so hard for a very proud organization that has been able to avoid this type of situation for a long time. Decades,” Myers concluded.

Myers’ above-mentioned remarks come in amidst rumors that Jimmy Butler may end up heading to the Golden State Warriors next. Having last set a winning record of 20-20, after earlier holding a stellar 12-3 win record, it is evident that the Bay needs a change.

However, Stephen Curry has already warned against making any ‘desperate’ moves that jeopardize the team’s long-term future. Taking in Jimmy Butler by exchanging the team’s core of young players would certainly come under that category. Despite this, the veteran’s availability at a time when the Warriors are looking to make ‘a change’ is a coinciding offer that they cannot ignore.

Therefore, the Warriors have to decide how serious they are about a Jimmy Butler acquisition. They already hold a $199.53 million salary cap, which prevents them from spending more and risking more fines and luxury tax under the updated CBA guidelines.

Now, Bob Myers’ warning gives an idea of what the Bay Area franchise should expect even after they ‘put a ring on it’. However, Myers’ indication of how Butler makes up for the ‘drama’ with his on-court performance is a positive! Too many thoughts to consider in too little time, and Stephen Curry’s close friend and well-wisher just added a warning about why not to ignore Butler.

If the Warriors have to make a decision vis-à-vis the veteran, then they will have to move quickly. After all, Butler has several eyes strained on him at the moment.

Warriors face competition from Suns and Bucks for Jimmy Butler

The one franchise name that the trade rumor market has been broadcasting recently is that of the Phoenix Suns. As reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Kevin Durant and Co. are more than interested in taking in the small forward.

“Phoenix has also discussed using the one first-round pick it is still allowed to trade (2031) in various talks around trying to acquire Butler, multiple league sources told ESPN.” Toronto Star’s Doug Smith claimed that the Raptors may help facilitate a potential trade for the Suns. After all, they reportedly have more than $40 million in expiring contracts, including Bruce Brown and Chris Boucher.

This opens up the potential for a three-team trade. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Sam Amick had highlighted not so long ago that the Bucks are another contender. He revealed that their underperformance this season, including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reported disappointment at the 0-8 record against the top three teams in the East, opened up the door for them to consider a trade. The Sporting News claimed that a 3-team trade with the Detroit Pistons could ease things for them.

Amidst all this speculation, one thing is pretty clear: the Golden State Warriors are not without market competition. Therefore, if Stephen Curry and Co. wish to move forward, they have to do it fast.