- Golden State Warriors Finalize Blockbuster Trade for Jimmy Butler in Multi-Team Deal
- Warriors Land Jimmy Butler in Blockbuster Four-Team Trade
- Jimmy Butler Traded to Golden State Warriors
In a stunning move ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors are finalizing a multi-team trade to acquire Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, according to multiple reports on Wednesday night. The deal, which also involves the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz, will see the Warriors part ways with Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick, while Miami receives Wiggins, Anderson, and additional assets.
The trade marks a significant shift for both franchises as the Warriors aim to bolster their championship aspirations and the Heat look to retool their roster. The Pistons are set to acquire Golden State’s Lindy Waters III and Miami’s Josh Richardson, while the Jazz will receive Warriors guard Dennis Schroder, who will be sent to Utah in exchange for P.J. Tucker heading to Miami.
Jimmy Butler, the six-time All-Star and one of the league’s most tenacious two-way players, has agreed to a two-year, 121 million contract extension with the Warriors,running through the 2026−27 season. This comes after initial reports suggested Butler was hesitant to sign an extension with Golden State, which had complicated trade negotiations. Butler also declined his 121 million contract extension with the Warriors, running through the 2026−27 season. This comes after initial reports suggested Butler was hesitant to sign an extension with Golden State, which had complicated trade negotiations. Butler also declined his 52 million player option for the 2025-26 season, signaling his commitment to the Warriors’ long-term plans.
Butler, 35, has been at the center of trade rumors for weeks after expressing his desire to leave Miami. He has not played since January 21 due to a team-imposed suspension for conduct detrimental to the team as the Heat sought a trade partner. Butler had reportedly been eyeing a move to the Phoenix Suns, with whom he was willing to sign a long-term extension. However, the Warriors emerged as the ultimate destination after Phoenix failed to assemble a competitive trade package.
This season, Butler has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 25 games. Over his 14-year career, he has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable performers, with career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
In exchange for Butler, the Warriors are sending Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson to Miami, along with a protected first-round pick. Wiggins, the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year and a 2022 All-Star, has been a key contributor for Golden State since joining the team in 2020. This season, he has averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 43 starts. Wiggins’ departure marks the end of an era for the Warriors, as he played a pivotal role in their 2022 championship run.
Kyle Anderson, acquired by the Warriors just this season, has provided steady playmaking and defense off the bench, averaging 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 36 games. His inclusion in the trade helps Miami balance the salary cap while adding a versatile forward to their rotation.
Dennis Schroder, who joined the Warriors in a December trade with the Brooklyn Nets, is headed to the Utah Jazz as part of the deal. Schroder has averaged 10.6 points and 4.4 assists in 24 games with Golden State this season. In exchange, the Jazz are sending veteran forward P.J. Tucker to the Heat.
Pistons and Jazz Involvement
The Detroit Pistons are set to acquire Lindy Waters III from the Warriors and Josh Richardson from the Heat. Waters, in his first season with Golden State, has averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 38 games. Richardson, a seasoned veteran, has played for six teams over his nine-year career and is averaging 4.0 points in eight games for Miami this season.
For the Jazz, acquiring Schroder adds a reliable ball-handler and scorer to their backcourt as they continue their rebuild. Tucker, meanwhile, provides Miami with additional depth and veteran leadership.
What This Means for the Warriors
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler signals the Warriors’ intent to remain in championship contention. Pairing Butler with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson creates a formidable core with championship experience and elite two-way play. Butler’s ability to elevate his game in the playoffs aligns perfectly with Golden State’s win-now mentality.
However, the trade comes with risks. Butler’s age and recent injury history raise questions about his long-term durability, and the Warriors have sacrificed significant depth to secure his services. Wiggins’ departure leaves a hole on the wing, and the team will need to rely on younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga to step up.
For the Heat, this trade marks the end of the Jimmy Butler era and the beginning of a new chapter. Wiggins and Anderson provide immediate help, while the protected first-round pick offers future flexibility. Miami will look to retool around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
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