Jimmy Butler Traded to Golden State Warriors
After months of speculation and trade rumors, Jimmy Butler is officially leaving the Miami Heat but not for his preferred destination. Instead, he’s joining the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster multi-team trade. In return, Miami receives Andrew Wiggins and a protected first-round pick, sources confirmed to The Athletic.
Butler, 35, had hoped to land with the Phoenix Suns, but after failed negotiations, he landed in the Bay Area. He has signed a two-year, $112 million extension with Golden State, declining his $52 million player option for next season.
Trade Details: Who’s Going Where?
The multi-team deal involves several key players moving across different franchises:
- Golden State Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler (from Miami)
- Miami Heat receive: Andrew Wiggins, 2025 top-10 protected first-round pick (from Golden State)
- Utah Jazz receive: Dennis Schröder (from Golden State), 2031 second-round pick (from Miami)
- Toronto Raptors (initially involved, later removed): Kyle Anderson (his destination yet to be decided)
- Detroit Pistons receive: Lindy Waters III (from Golden State), Josh Richardson (from Miami)
- Miami Heat receive: P.J. Tucker (from Utah, returning to Miami)
With the NBA trade deadline looming, more moves could still happen before Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.
Why Did the Warriors Make This Move?
Since losing Klay Thompson last summer, the Warriors have been desperate to find another offensive weapon alongside Stephen Curry. After a 12-3 start, their season has spiraled, and they now sit 10th in the Western Conference (25-24).
The addition of Butler gives Golden State another elite two-way player. The starting lineup will now feature Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga (once he returns from injury). The Warriors hope this move will elevate them from a Play-In team to a title contender.
They were initially hesitant to acquire Butler due to:
His massive contract
His injury history
His track record of locker-room conflicts
But after failing to land Paul George, Lauri Markkanen, and Kevin Durant, they turned to Butler as the best available star.
Miami Heat’s Perspective: Why They Moved On
Butler’s departure ends one of the most successful stretches in Heat history, but his relationship with the franchise had soured. After failing to get a contract extension, he was suspended three times this season due to his behavior.
Despite the issues, Butler helped Miami reach:
Two NBA Finals (2020, 2023)
Three Eastern Conference Finals
A .581 win percentage in five seasons
Now, Miami moves forward with Andrew Wiggins, a former All-Star and NBA champion. The 29-year-old forward is averaging 17.6 points and shooting 38% from three this season. He joins Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as part of the Heat’s core.
