Golden State Warriors Could Sign Jimmy Butler in Blockbuster Trade with Miami Heat

Have the Miami Heat given up hopes of winning a Championship in the Jimmy Butler era? That is a question that a lot of fans are asking themselves after this offseason.

While teams around the East have strengthened considerably, the Heat have stood still and seemingly decided to run it back despite a first-round playoff exit last season.

There are major question marks over the future of Butler as well. It was widely reported earlier in the summer that he wanted a contract extension this offseason. But the Heat were not keen to give him one.

It is understandable why that might be the case. Butler is 35 years old now. On top of that, one cannot ignore his injury history.

He has played more than 70 games in a season just twice in his career, both times back when he was in Chicago. Also, he missed the entire playoff series last season, as the Heat lost 4-1 to the Boston Celtics.

Butler has led the Heat to two NBA Finals, overdelivering on all expectations. But can the franchise rely on him to deliver, as he heads towards his late 30s?

There is believed to be plenty of interest in Butler's signature around the league despite this. One of the teams who are rumored to be keeping an eye on his situation are the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors are in a tough spot themselves. They don't have much time to maximize the last few years of Steph Curry's prime. Also, Klay Thompson departed the Bay Area this summer.

Could it lead to the Warriors trying to sign Butler in the future? On Bleacher Report , Andy Bailey has suggested a trade in the article 'Jimmy Butler Trade Packages: Ideas for Lakers, Warriors and More'.

It would see the Warriors receive Butler and Josh Richardson for Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick swap.

Of course, this would be the ultimate win-now move from the Warriors, parting with Kuminga and so many picks. But it is one that they might need to make if they are to go on another Championship run with Curry as the face of the franchise.

It could all depend on how the new-look Warriors perform this season because earlier in the summer they seemed unwilling to include Kuminga in any possible trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. Could a bad start change their stance?

Related: Los Angeles Lakers Land Jimmy Butler in Proposed Trade with Miami Heat