Golden State Warriors Told to Make Jimmy Butler Decision Amid Miami Heat Rumors

With the Miami Heat not handing Jimmy Butler a contract extension over the offseason, expect there to be speculation about his future moving forward. If he declines his player option, the 35-year-old will be a free agent next summer.

Naturally, trading Butler is a very real possibility, especially if the Heat do not start the season well. Could that open a window of opportunity for teams like the Golden State Warriors?

The Warriors need to make something happen to give Steph Curry a chance to compete for his fifth ring in the twilight years of his career. And there have been rumors that Butler is a player they have an eye on.

Of course, the Warriors might need to give up quite a bit to make a move for Butler happen. How much would they be willing to part ways with though? It is believed that they were not ready to include Jonathan Kuminga in a trade package for Paul George in the summer.

In the Bleacher Report article '1 Ambitious Trade Target for Every NBA Team This Season', Andy Bailey suggested Butler for the Warriors.

Bailey wrote: "If the Heat stumble out of the 2024-25 gates and start shopping Butler (who again, didn't get an extension this past summer and can enter free agency next summer), Golden State should explore the possibility.

"The Warriors might have to part with three or four players on top of Wiggins, including some intriguing young talents like Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski. Golden State and Miami might have to rope in a third team to help facilitate the deal.

"But if the Warriors wound up with Curry, Butler and Green, they might have one last legitimate shot to get Curry his fifth title. After he brought four to the organization, it owes him that."

Adding Butler alongside Curry and Green would put the Warriors back into contention, depending upon the roster they surround their star trio with.

Of course, it would be a very different dynamic to the one Curry and Green had with Klay Thompson, but Butler has already proven his ability to deliver in the postseason.

As for the Heat fans, seeing Butler leave South Beach without winning a Championship would be a blow but at the same time, it is very possible that the franchise are working with the Bam Adebayo timeline in mind. A theory backed up by their lack of activity over the summer.

Related: Miami Heat Fans Will Love Jimmy Butler's Latest Comments About Extension