Golden State Warriors Aim Big In Jimmy Butler Deal Ahead Of NBA Trade Deadline

The Golden State Warriors have been attempting to acquire another star player to team up with Stephen Curry for some time. That now comes in the form of Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler.

On the eve of the NBA trade deadline, multiple media reports indicate that Butler has been sent out west as part of a five-team trade. The other centerpiece is fellow wing Andrew Wiggins heading to Miami. Shams Charania of The Athletic was the first to report the details of the trade.

Here’s how it breaks down in full in what ended up being a broader five-team trade.

Golden State Warriors get: Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat get: Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, P.J. Tucker, protected first-round pick

Detroit Pistons get: Lindy Waters III, Josh Richardson

Utah Jazz get: Dennis Schroder

Toronto Raptors get: Kyle Anderson

Charania reports that Butler agreed to a two-year, $121 million extension with Butler. This was a point of contention as rumors linked Butler to Northern California.

He had a player option for next season, with no indication Butler was willing to sign an extension to remain in San Francisco long-term. Previous indications concluded that the 35-year-old Butler would only sign an extension with the Phoenix Suns. They were said to be his top destination.

The six-time All-Star has been suspended three times this season by Miami after requesting to be dealt out of South Beach. He was not happy about the Heat’s roster construction, among other things.

Golden State Warriors Turn To Jimmy Butler After Kevin Durant Rumors

Late Tuesday evening, several reports came out indicating that the Warriors were engaged in conversations with Phoenix about re-acquiring former franchise star Kevin Durant.

These rumors took on more steam Wednesday before other reports came out saying that Durant had no interest in returning to the Warriors. Durant starred with the Warriors from 2016-2019, winning two NBA Finals MVPs in the process. His relationship with Golden State ended with some drama, especially friction between Durant and Draymond Green.

Once Durant made it clear behind the scenes that he did not reunite with Curry and Co., the Warriors turned to the Butler possibility.

Financial Impact Of Golden State Warriors Acquiring Jimmy Butler

It’s fairly big. Butler is now due $121 million over the next two seasons. Wiggins has roughly $58 million due over the same span. Schroder, Waters and Anderson are all playing under expiring contracts.

Warriors owner Joe Lacob has made it clear that we wants to win at all cost. That will continue to be the case as Golden State pays out $60.5 million annually to an aging 35-year-old wing.

The Warriors now have roughly $129 million committed to three players in that of Butler, Curry and Green next season. Both Butler and Curry are now playing under max contracts.

Golden State Warriors Timeline With Stephen Curry After Jimmy Butler Trade

It’s been clear that the Warriors were in desperation mode to find a star running partner for Curry. He’s in the twilight of his career.

Golden State missed out on the playoffs altogether last season. As formed before the Butler trade, this was not a playoff squad in 2024-25.

I have no idea how this trade is going to work out. It’s pretty risky. Wiggins had been playing stellar ball as of late. Butler has been seen as somewhat of a malcontent recently. That was magnified by him being suspended three times by Miami.

What we do know is that this trade puts the Warriors’ title contention hopes into a two-year window. Curry is signed through the 2027-28 season. Green has a player option for the 2026-27 season. The same thing can be said for Jimmy Butler. It’s now time for the Golden State Warriors new big three to get down to work.