Trade block has been buzzing ever since Jimmy Butler demanded a trade from the Heat after making a shocking confession last night, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon.” Sure enough, speculations have already begun about where the six-time All-Star will land next. And the Warriors are being considered one of the potential suitors, especially because they are desperately looking for a superstar to pair alongside Stephen Curry. However, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t seem fully onboard with that idea!

Issuing a warning about Butler’s potential trade to the Bay Area, the veteran insider said, “Let’s call it what it is – The Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry, you need another Klay Thompson. You don’t need Jimmy Butler in my estimation.” Yes, for over a decade, the Warriors have built their identity as a dominant three-point shooting team. And it will likely remain the same until Steph hangs his boots.

However, since Klay’s departure, they have been seeking a replacement. The Buddy Hield experiment has not worked well so far because he has struggled to stay consistent. But acquiring Butler might not be the solution to the problem, because he is more of an inside player than a shooter. Sure, Jimmy is shooting 37.5% from deep range this season, but his strength lies inside the paint. So, there could be a fit problem if he joins the Warriors.

Despite the hesitation, Stephen A. Smith believes Butler would have a positive impact on the Warriors’ locker room, “Jimmy Butler with Draymond Green in the same locker room, that’s some fire for you bro. It could go either way, but I think it would be a positive more so than a negative personally because I think they’re both winners.” But there is a franchise the ESPN analyst believes is better suited for Butler.

Stephen A. Smith reveals “Ideal” Landing Spot for Jimmy Butler and it’s not the Warriors!

Apart from Joe Lacob’s franchise, Stephen A. also took other teams into consideration on The Stephen A. Smith Show. Mavericks were the first one. Although the idea of Butler joining forces with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving intrigued him, the analyst said, “Yeah, I don’t know if you need that.” Then, he shifted his focus to the Rockets. But they already have two veteran leaders in Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet.

Instead, Smith had the perfect destination in mind for Butler, “The ideal landing spot for Jimmy Butler is the Phoenix Suns.” Although the Suns are an elite offensive team, the analyst highlighted a major weakness that could hinder their success, “They are considered a team as soft as Cottonelle tissue. Nobody is concerned about their toughness and toughness is what gets it done for you in the playoffs.”

Well, Butler could solve that problem instantly because he is known for his elite defense and toughness. And he is one of the few stars who ups his game in the postseason. However, there is one problem with Butler going to Phoenix. It will only happen if Bradley Beal agrees to waive his no-trade clause and Pat Riley accepts the Butler-Beal exchange. “If you are the Phoenix Suns, you should get on your knees if you have to and beg Bradley Beal to waive that no-trade clause and take his a– to Miami.” Stephen A. remarked.

Moreover, the veteran analyst also revealed how Butler’s addition would have instant impact in Phoenix, “Let me tell you something. That culture would change quick, fast, and in a hurry.” Well, that might be exactly what the Suns need to be title contenders like everyone expected them to be before the season began. What are your thoughts?