Jimmy Butler trade: Golden state and Miami's new chapter
Annapurna Rai | Feb 06, 2025, 22:24 IST
( Image credit : AP )
The Miami Heat traded Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in a four-team deal, acquiring Andrew Wiggins and other assets. The Warriors aim to boost their playoff hopes with Butler’s addition, while Miami looks to move forward without Butler and capitalize on their new acquisitions.
The Jimmy Butler saga has come to an end. After months of tension and speculation, the Miami Heat have traded the disgruntled star to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that reshapes both teams' futures. Butler, who had been suspended three times in January for conduct detrimental to the team, finally got what he wanted—out of Miami. The Heat, meanwhile, can move on from a challenging situation as they focus on the rest of the season.
In a complex four-team trade, Golden State secured Butler from Miami. In return, the Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected 2025 first-round pick. Golden State also sent Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz, while the Jazz moved P.J. Tucker to Miami. Detroit played a minor role in the deal, facilitating the trade and acquiring Josh Richardson from Miami and Lindy Waters III from Golden State.
Golden State's acquisition of Butler marks a bold move to strengthen their title aspirations. Butler, agreeing to a two-year, $121 million extension, will be a key piece for the Warriors through 2026-2027. Despite a somewhat diminished role in Miami this season, where he averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, Butler remains an elite offensive and defensive asset. The Warriors, struggling to rank just 19th in offense, hope his presence will elevate their performance. Furthermore, Butler's addition should bolster the Warriors' defense, which currently ranks ninth in the league.
Golden State’s grade for the trade: B+
The Warriors didn't have to part ways with young talent like Jonathan Kuminga, which makes the trade even more favorable. As Golden State battles for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, Butler’s leadership and versatility are expected to be vital. With Steph Curry leading the charge, the Warriors hope that Butler can help push them deeper into postseason contention.
For Miami, the deal helps them move on from the Butler drama, enabling the team to shift its focus. While the Heat didn't receive an immediate superstar, the acquisition of Wiggins—a solid contributor averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game—gives them a reliable two-way player. Along with Wiggins, Miami gained a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, which is protected from picks 1-10, meaning it could be a valuable asset depending on how the Warriors perform.
Miami's grade for the trade: B+
The Heat now have a chance to reshape their team and possibly aim for a higher playoff seeding. While there were talks with Phoenix about trading for Kevin Durant, that deal never materialized. Regardless, Miami's haul of Wiggins and a potential lottery pick for Butler, who was intent on leaving, is a respectable return.
As for Utah and Detroit, they acted as facilitators, helping the primary teams reach an agreement. The Jazz received Schroder, while the Pistons took on expiring contracts in Richardson and Waters, adding no long-term financial commitments.
With Butler gone, both Miami and Golden State have taken steps toward new chapters in their respective seasons. The future is uncertain, but both teams have set themselves up for potential success, one in the immediate and the other in the long term.
In a complex four-team trade, Golden State secured Butler from Miami. In return, the Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected 2025 first-round pick. Golden State also sent Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz, while the Jazz moved P.J. Tucker to Miami. Detroit played a minor role in the deal, facilitating the trade and acquiring Josh Richardson from Miami and Lindy Waters III from Golden State.
Golden State's acquisition of Butler marks a bold move to strengthen their title aspirations. Butler, agreeing to a two-year, $121 million extension, will be a key piece for the Warriors through 2026-2027. Despite a somewhat diminished role in Miami this season, where he averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, Butler remains an elite offensive and defensive asset. The Warriors, struggling to rank just 19th in offense, hope his presence will elevate their performance. Furthermore, Butler's addition should bolster the Warriors' defense, which currently ranks ninth in the league.
Golden State’s grade for the trade: B+
The Warriors didn't have to part ways with young talent like Jonathan Kuminga, which makes the trade even more favorable. As Golden State battles for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, Butler’s leadership and versatility are expected to be vital. With Steph Curry leading the charge, the Warriors hope that Butler can help push them deeper into postseason contention.
For Miami, the deal helps them move on from the Butler drama, enabling the team to shift its focus. While the Heat didn't receive an immediate superstar, the acquisition of Wiggins—a solid contributor averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game—gives them a reliable two-way player. Along with Wiggins, Miami gained a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, which is protected from picks 1-10, meaning it could be a valuable asset depending on how the Warriors perform.
Miami's grade for the trade: B+
The Heat now have a chance to reshape their team and possibly aim for a higher playoff seeding. While there were talks with Phoenix about trading for Kevin Durant, that deal never materialized. Regardless, Miami's haul of Wiggins and a potential lottery pick for Butler, who was intent on leaving, is a respectable return.
As for Utah and Detroit, they acted as facilitators, helping the primary teams reach an agreement. The Jazz received Schroder, while the Pistons took on expiring contracts in Richardson and Waters, adding no long-term financial commitments.
With Butler gone, both Miami and Golden State have taken steps toward new chapters in their respective seasons. The future is uncertain, but both teams have set themselves up for potential success, one in the immediate and the other in the long term.