This off-season is likely to bring a major shift in the league. Despite leading Miami to two NBA Finals in the last five years, there have been several reports suggesting that the Heat could trade their superstar Jimmy Butler this summer rather than giving him the max extension he desires. This could open up an opportunity for the struggling Warriors to swoop in and bag the six-time All-Star. However, that acquisition will probably come at a very hefty price as a new proposal sees the Warriors losing several major assets, including three former Champions, for a chance to get their hands on Butler.

In a trade scenario suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, he proposed a deal between Golden State and Miami that sends Jimmy Butler to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and two future first round picks. While Steve Kerr would love to add a star like Butler to his roster, giving up so many young stars might not be the ideal way to do it.

With Steph, Klay, Draymond, and CP3, all in the later stages of their careers, the Warriors have very few young assets left with them. And Butler will also be 35 years old by the time the next season begins. So, would it be worth it to acquire another veteran while risking the team’s future? Last season might have the answer. Earlier, the Warriors gave up a former Champion and a rising star in Jordan Poole to add Chris Paul to the roster. But the veteran guard was injured for a major chunk of the season and had the least productive season of his career. On top of this, the Warriors couldn’t even make the playoffs.

A similar problem could arise with Butler. Injuring his MCL right before the playoffs, Butler missed the entire first round series against Boston that led to Miami’s quick elimination. And there lies a risk of more injuries in the future because of Butler’s age.

Jimmy Butler will have other options if Miami doesn’t work

As per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Butler would love to stay in Miami if given the opportunity, “Jimmy, in an ideal world, wants to stay in Miami.” But with $48.8 million due next year and a player option the following season, he is reportedly seeking a two-year $113 million max extension to stay at South Beach. And while Pat Riley wants Butler in Miami, he doesn’t seem too eager to abide by Butler’s demand. “We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment… That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night. That’s the truth.” Riley said in a press conference after their season ended.

Although an exit from Miami might be on the cards for Jimmy, there are other teams eager to pounce on him. And on top of the list is Jimmy’s former team, the Philadelphia 76ers. More importantly, the Sixers have the cap space to sign a max-level player and they have been eyeing several candidates to fill that role, including Paul George and Jimmy Butler. The last time he was in Philly, Butler had proved that he and Joel Embiid can do serious damage now that Tyrese Maxey has also emerged as a superstar. Meanwhile, the Warriors don’t have the assets that Riley might be very interested in. The roles that Looney, Podz, Wiggins and Moody fill can already be taken care of by Adebayo, Herro, and other Heat players. So, it will be hard for the Warriors to pull off the proposed trade even if they want to. Do you agree?

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