It appears like the Golden State Warriors are happy with their personnel. But like anything else, this kind of disposition can change. According to a recent report, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. of the Warriors pushed hard to sign a top player. But since the Warriors won’t part with their future assets for a mediocre star, how about one who has guided his club to several NBA Finals?
The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang says it’s likely that Jimmy Butler will either become a free agent or be the key player in a deal.
Chiang reported that, according to sources, Butler is expected to reject the extension even if the Heat proposes it and will likely opt out of his current contract to enter free agency next summer.
Given Butler’s age and postseason experience, the tea leaves indicate the dynastic team is a good fit for him, even though the article didn’t specifically name the Warriors as a trade contender.
Every season that goes by shows how pointless it could be to waste the final seasons of their franchise savior on development rather than outcomes as the Warriors continue to try to balance the next generation with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.
But now that Butler is with the Warriors, his direct but well-intentioned style of play fits well with Green and Curry’s relentless pursuit of victory.
Butler’s contract with the Miami Heat ends at $48.7 million unless he chooses to exercise his player option for the upcoming campaign. Butler, who is from Texas, has the option to opt out of his $52.5 million contract if he doesn’t get an extension, which would make it challenging for the Warriors to acquire his skills.
The ruthless, strategic mentality of the Heat’s Pat Riley will prevent such a situation from occurring if Miami suspects Butler will leave in free agency, which might result in a trade.
In order for Butler to join Golden State, a third team would probably need to assist in making such a big transaction. With or without a star alongside to Curry, the Warriors’ current goal is to exact revenge for their unsuccessful 2023–24 campaign.
Following the Miami Heat’s opening game, NBA fans express the same fear that Jimmy Butler did.
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat did not have the start to the 2024–25 season they had hoped for as the Orlando Magic, their in-state rival, outscored them 116–97 at Kaseya Center.
Of all the players on the court, Butler, the former Marquette Golden Eagles standout, may have had the poorest performance. Only three points on a pitiful 1-of-8 shooting, four rebounds, and five assists were recorded by the six-time NBA All-Star. Bam Adebayo, the center, and Butler both had the game’s worst plus/minus at -30.
Paolo Banchero of the Magic, who finished with a game-high 33 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, appeared to be the best player during the lopsided victory.
Butler has gained notoriety during his tenure in Miami for having subpar regular seasons and then dominating the NBA playoffs after barely making it into the postseason.
The 6-foot-7 star has guided the Heat to three Eastern Conference Finals trips and two NBA Finals appearances. However, during his time in the 305, he has only been selected for two All-Star games.
Even though it is well known that Butler performs differently in the regular season and the playoffs, many NBA fans expressed concern about the 35-year-old after the Magic game, with some even saying that he is washed. These followers expressed their terror of Butler on social media.
i told everyone jimmy butler was washed and the heat will fall off and no one believed me but here we are
— karen of caron (@HimothyHames) October 24, 2024
“I told everyone Jimmy Butler was past his prime and the Heat would decline, but nobody believed me. Well, here we are,” a fan commented.
“Jimmy Butler is done. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.”
Jimmy Butler is washed. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.
— Paolo and Spida Sweat Over Water 🩰 (@RainLadybugTwo) October 24, 2024
“So Jimmy Butler bathed and the Miami Heat were cooked.regrettable.
So the Miami heat are Cooked and Jimmy butler washed …unfortunate
— King Koleman (@KingKoleman) October 24, 2024
“Has Jimmy Butler lost his touch?”
Jimmy butler is WASHED
— Legate Alexander Agustus Caesar (@LegateAgustus) October 24, 2024
“Jimmy Butler is past his prime.”
Jimmy butler is WASHED
— Legate Alexander Agustus Caesar (@LegateAgustus) October 24, 2024
“Is Jimmy Butler past his best?”
is jimmy butler washed? 💔
— ⁷⁷ (@mavsbetterr) October 24, 2024
“Jimmy Butler is past his prime. He might want to start thinking about playing overseas.”
Jimmy Butler is washed. He should learn Chinese soon
— Supreme Garaad JR. (@Supreme_Garaad) October 24, 2024
Butler was chosen by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 30 pick in the 2011 NBA draft following three seasons with Marquette. It took him two seasons to establish himself as the Windy City’s full-time starter. As some might say, a late bloomer. Before joining Miami in the 2019 offseason, Butler had brief spells with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers following his six-year Chicago stay.
