Tag: Jimmy Butler

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler Acknowledges Warriors’ Playoff Struggles Without Curry, Urges Precision Amid Uncertain Path Forward

Jimmy Butler Acknowledges Warriors’ Playoff Struggles Without Curry, Urges Precision Amid Uncertain Path Forward
Jimmy Butler Acknowledges Warriors’ Playoff Struggles Without Curry, Urges Precision Amid Uncertain Path Forward

The absence of a superstar like Stephen Curry in the playoffs presents a significant challenge for any team, especially when that team is fighting for postseason survival. On May 10, after the Golden State Warriors came up just short in Game 3 of their second-round NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler of the Warriors addressed the media about the struggles the team faces in Curry’s absence. His insights highlighted how difficult it is for the team to perform without their leader, particularly under the pressure of the playoffs.

Jimmy Butler Highlights Warriors’ Struggles Without Curry, Emphasizing the Need for Precision

During his postgame press conference, Jimmy Butler spoke candidly about the importance of Curry to the Warriors’ success. He pointed out that without Curry on the floor, there is “no room for error.” Mistakes, turnovers, and poor shot selection become much more costly in the absence of a player of Curry’s caliber.

Butler acknowledged that the Warriors’ margin for error has become razor-thin without their star player, making every possession crucial.

Jimmy Butler Acknowledges Warriors’ Playoff Struggles Without Curry, Urges Precision Amid Uncertain Path Forward
Jimmy Butler Acknowledges Warriors’ Playoff Struggles Without Curry, Urges Precision Amid Uncertain Path Forward

The Warriors’ offensive struggles have been evident in the last two games, both of which Curry missed due to a hamstring strain. Over these games, Golden State has averaged only 95 points per game, a significant drop from their usual offensive output.

The team has yet to reach 100 points in the series, which highlights how much they rely on Curry to generate scoring opportunities. In contrast, their performance in Game 1, when Curry was still on the court, saw them score 99 points, but since then, their scoring has been stifled without his presence.

Butler and Kuminga Shine as Warriors Face Uncertain Future Without Curry

Despite the team’s overall struggles, Jimmy Butler had an outstanding performance in Game 3 against the Timberwolves. He contributed 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, playing a crucial role in keeping the Warriors competitive.

Additionally, Jonathan Kuminga added 30 points off the bench, providing a much-needed offensive spark. Together, Butler and Kuminga accounted for nearly two-thirds of the Warriors’ total offensive production in the game, showing that the team’s other players are stepping up, but still falling short without Curry’s leadership.

Looking ahead, the Warriors are bracing for more games without Curry as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury. Curry is expected to miss Game 4, and he will be reevaluated by team doctors on May 15, ahead of Game 5.

It is unlikely that Curry will return before Game 6, which is scheduled for May 18, but that will only happen if the Warriors can win at least one of the next two games. The Warriors’ chances of advancing to the next round hinge on their ability to perform without their star player, but with Curry’s potential return looming, there is still hope for the team’s postseason aspirations.

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes

Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes
Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob stood on the court after a hard-fought Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets, reflecting on the risk that transformed their season, acquiring Jimmy Butler. The move, originally seen as a gamble due to Butler’s turbulent past in Miami and Minnesota, proved to be a masterstroke.

The Warriors had flirted with playoff irrelevance, and Butler’s midseason arrival not only rejuvenated their roster but gave them a real shot at contention. Lacob credited GM Mike Dunleavy for pushing through the deal and acknowledged the wisdom of betting on Butler, declaring, “He’s worth every freaking penny.”

Veteran Warriors Validate Butler Gamble With Statement Win And Collective Playoff Brilliance

Had the Warriors failed to advance past the first round, the narrative around Butler’s addition would have been one of short-lived success. Though his Play-In heroics kept them from missing the postseason, the goal was to prove they were still a legitimate championship team.

By defeating the second-seeded Rockets as a No. 7 seed, Golden State solidified its standing as a serious threat. This vindicated Lacob’s decision to offer Butler a two-year, $121 million extension and suggested that the Warriors’ core, while aging, still had the ability to deliver at the highest level.

Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes
Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes

Game 7 wasn’t a one-man show. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, both 35, turned back the clock with savvy, high-IQ basketball. Curry dissected the Rockets’ zone defense while Green provided a defensive masterclass.

Buddy Hield, signed to compensate for Klay Thompson’s departure, exploded for 33 points with red-hot shooting. Butler, though not the statistical leader, contributed across the board with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The collective performance highlighted how the Warriors’ blend of experience and calculated acquisitions still made them a playoff powerhouse.

With Aging Stars And Renewed Belief, Warriors Embrace Urgency In High-Stakes Playoff Run

The Warriors’ push to stay relevant goes beyond one series. With their stars deep into their 30s, there’s a growing sense of urgency. There are no more “next year” speeches—this is the window. Internally, the organization faced growing speculation about a possible teardown: Coach Steve Kerr linked to San Antonio, Draymond Green concerned about being traded, and Curry facing the twilight of his legendary career. Butler’s presence and playoff pedigree have steadied the ship, helping galvanize a veteran team that’s not ready to fade into the background just yet.

Jimmy Butler has found a renewed sense of purpose with the Warriors, crediting the team’s unity and professionalism for his smooth transition. His impact has been so profound that some, like Rick Carlisle, believe he’d be in the MVP race had he been in Golden State all season.

With the Rockets dispatched, the focus now shifts to the Minnesota Timberwolves—a younger, deeper, and more seasoned opponent. For Lacob and the Warriors, the mission is clear: “Four down, twelve to go.” The next chapter of this high-stakes run begins now.

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler made his return to Miami, where the Heat cruised to a victory and received heavy boos

Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in the time out

Some fans cheered when he came out, while many others booed. Every time he got the ball during the game, there was a lot of booing from all corners of the arena.

In the end, Jimmy Butler’s return to Miami was a success for the Heat.

Before the game on Tuesday night, the Heat honored Butler’s 5½ years with the team by showing a tribute video in the arena as part of the Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup introduction. That was one of the few highlights for the Warriors, as Butler scored 11 points in a 112-86 defeat.

“I got a lot of love for this city, for the fanbase here,” Butler said after the game. “The video was nice. I won’t say there was a lot of emotions, though.”

Butler seemed to watch the 40-second video as he said he would, though he added that it didn’t matter to him whether the Heat made one or not. He received a warm welcome from Heat public-address announcer Michael Baiamonte, who introduced him the same way as when Butler played for Miami, and Butler waved to acknowledge the crowd’s reaction.

It was a little unusual for him, though. When he got to the arena, Butler took a few extra moments to figure out where to go.

“I was confused,” Butler said. “Haven’t been on this side in a minute.”

He says there are no hard feelings between him and the Heat, even though he was traded to the Warriors about a month and a half ago after a difficult ending to his time with Miami, which included being suspended by the team three times in his final weeks there.

The tribute video featured many of Butler’s memorable moments from his time with the Heat, including the famous image of him looking tired and slumped over a courtside barrier during a game in the 2020 NBA bubble.

“The energy in the building was great,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “If you’re a competitor, you love this kind of environment. We didn’t do any kind of extra motivational speech.”

Jimmy Butler arrives for the game

Warriors coach Steve Kerr might not fully agree with that

“I think the main part of Jimmy’s return was the Heat were ready, and Spo had them ready,” Kerr said.

This was an important game for the Heat, who are working to make up for the losses from a 10-game losing streak that ended earlier this week. It was one of their best performances of the season, as they never trailed, held the Warriors to 40% shooting, and made an impressive 68% of their 3-point shots.

“Was this like a regular game? Yeah, I think so,” Heat guard Tyler Herro said. “The circumstances, who was coming in here, we were ready a little more. But for me, it was a regular game.”

Butler was unhappy with the Heat for not offering him a contract extension and had problems with his role in the last few weeks of his time with the team. The Heat weren’t pleased with how Butler missed about 25% of their games and how he aired his complaints publicly in his final months.

Butler got his extension — two years, $111 million — from the Warriors, and Golden State is now 16-4 in his first 20 games. To be fair, two of those four losses, including Tuesday’s, came when Stephen Curry was out of the lineup.

“We definitely need 30 back,” Butler said, referring to Curry by his jersey number. “We want him to be right. We’re still expected to put up a better effort than we put up the last two games. But if he’s back, I think it’s going to be different.”

Fans, as they often do when a top player leaves their team, have been vocal with their anger towards Butler on social media. Butler knows his time in Miami didn’t end well, but he believes both sides share responsibility for the messy departure.

Golden State Warriors players look up from the sidelines in the 2nd half

“I wonder if they look at the Heat the same way,” Butler said. “It ain’t like I was the one who was doing everything. It’s got to be 50-50, maybe 51-49 — 49 towards them, 51 towards me. But there’s no way that I was the cause of all of this.”

Butler was suspended for a total of 14 games with the Heat before being traded. However, the Heat have a tradition of welcoming back players who were All-Stars or champions with the team. Butler was an All-Star in Miami and helped the team reach three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals.

He was booed when he touched the ball after the game started, although there were some cheers when he scored the first basket for the Warriors. Not much else went his way, and when the game ended, he greeted a few friends courtside before heading to the Warriors’ locker room.

The Warriors have a day off in Miami on Wednesday, allowing Butler to spend another day with his kids, who are still in South Florida, before the team leaves for New Orleans on Thursday.

“This one’s over with,” Butler said. “Put it behind us, go eat some food and enjoy the sunshine tomorrow.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Warriors Struggle Without Curry as Jimmy Butler’s Miami Return Lacks Impact

Warriors Struggle Without Curry as Jimmy Butler’s Miami Return Lacks Impact
Warriors Struggle Without Curry as Jimmy Butler’s Miami Return Lacks Impact

Jimmy Butler downplayed his return to Miami as just another game, but his performance suggested otherwise. Scoring only 11 points in a 26-point Golden State Warriors loss, it was far from the impact he likely envisioned. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, struggling in recent weeks, suddenly looked re-energized.

Butler received a tribute video before tip-off, but the Miami crowd greeted him with a lukewarm response. However, his presence seemed to motivate his former team, as they played with renewed intensity.

Warriors Struggle Without Curry, Facing a Tough Battle for Playoff Positioning

Without Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined due to injury, the Warriors have dropped two straight games, putting them in a precarious playoff position. While they technically hold the No. 6 seed, they are tied in losses with the Clippers, who own the tiebreaker.

The team faces a tight race to secure a playoff spot rather than having to fight through the play-in tournament. Their upcoming schedule offers some relief, with expected wins against New Orleans and San Antonio, but each loss at this stage could prove costly.

Warriors Struggle Without Curry as Jimmy Butler’s Miami Return Lacks Impact
Warriors Struggle Without Curry as Jimmy Butler’s Miami Return Lacks Impact

The Warriors’ inconsistency has left them in a vulnerable position. If they fail to secure a direct playoff spot, they could find themselves in a risky play-in scenario. As of now, they would face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 7-8 matchup—a team that reached the conference finals last season and boasts a formidable duo in Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

A loss there would force them into a do-or-die game against Sacramento or Phoenix. Even if they advance, they would face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, making their playoff path extremely challenging.

Butler’s Passivity Raises Concerns as Warriors Struggle Without Their Star Leader

Despite his overall strong season with the Warriors, Butler has been somewhat passive offensively, particularly when finishing at the rim. He contributed only two points in the first half against Miami, and by the time he became more aggressive, the Warriors were already trailing significantly.

His reluctance to attack the basket, combined with Bam Adebayo’s defensive dominance, limited his effectiveness. This lack of assertiveness was reflected in his single free-throw attempt, highlighting a key issue for Golden State.

Butler was never intended to be the primary scorer for this Warriors team—that role belongs to Curry. However, his ability to step up in crucial moments will be vital come playoff time. While his methodical playing style has its advantages, it can sometimes turn into passivity.

Golden State hopes that the high-intensity version of Butler, often seen in the postseason, will emerge when needed. But on this particular night in Miami, both Butler and the Warriors fell flat, reinforcing the urgency to get Curry back and regain momentum.

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler’s influence both on the court and in the locker room has fueled the Warriors’ comeback

Jimmy Butler reacts in the 2nd half

Jimmy Butler had things to do, and he made sure everyone knew about it.

He had to leave a game quickly to teach a late-night dominoes lesson. But before leaving, he playfully teased teammate Buddy Hield: “Buddy, spell connector.”

Hield started, “Connect Four? Connector? … Connector, C-O-N,” and someone close by stepped in to help.

Butler yelled, “Aww, man, don’t help him! Exactly my point, y’all see that?”

Earlier, Hield had called Butler a “connector.”

Butler brushed off the compliment, saying, “Don’t listen to anything Buddy says, ever, he can’t even spell connector.”

Still, no one in the Warriors’ organization would argue that Butler has been a true connector since joining the team last month in a trade from Miami. He immediately helped improve the team once he put on his new uniform.

“He stabilized everything immediately,” said Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone after his team beat Golden State 114-105 on Monday.

Butler’s role will be even more important now as Stephen Curry recovers from a pelvic injury he sustained on Thursday night. Curry will miss the Warriors’ game against the Hawks on Saturday.

Any injury to Curry is a concern for Golden State, but Butler is excited to be part of the playoff push and to play alongside Curry and Draymond Green as they try for another championship.

“All the value just lies within winning as a whole,” Butler said recently. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of the winning that we’re doing here. We’re just playing some incredible basketball, playing together on both sides of the floor, and it’s really fun.”

He recorded Golden State’s first triple-double of the season on March 10 against Portland, saying afterward, “You can’t get a triple-double without your teammates.”

Golden State Warriors players in the 2nd half

Curry admires Butler’s consistency

The Warriors won 14 of the first 15 games Butler played, which helped improve their position in the tough Western Conference. Since acquiring Butler, they are 16-3, and Curry is impressed with how quickly Butler became comfortable, fitting into a new system.

“None of us are going to get off on regular-season accomplishments,” Curry said. “We have to perform and put ourselves in playoff position to be a team that nobody wants to face and be a tough challenge no matter who the matchup is.

We’re building toward that. It’s pretty clear as day the difference in not just the record but how we’re playing, how we’re winning and his impact on the game.”

Curry admires Butler for being “super consistent, a professional, there’s been a lot of eyeballs on him all season, pre-trade, post-trade and all that, but I love the way he’s approached everything.”

So, how good is Butler’s dominoes game?

“Great, I’m probably the best in the world,” the 35-year-old forward said, noting he plays “every day, too many hours out of the day.”

In addition to the fun they’re having behind the scenes, Butler’s impact on both sides of the court has helped ease some of the pressure off Curry. The Warriors are doing well again, and general manager Mike Dunleavy is being praised for taking a risk on a big trade — one that sent high-scoring Andrew Wiggins to South Florida.

Kerr: Butler makes everyone better

Butler will play against Miami on Tuesday night in his return with Golden State. He is grabbing important offensive rebounds. He runs the point guard position and creates shots for everyone, taking his own shots when needed.

“Great basketball player. He does everything well, he sees the game, he’s strong, loves to pass, the game just flows when he’s out there,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And he feels it. Whatever the game calls for, Jimmy brings and he’s the main reason that things have turned for us.

He’s one of the best players in the league and he makes everybody else around him better.”

In January, Butler wasn’t happy in Miami and wanted a change — “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be,” he said — wanting to be a winner and make an impact.

Butler found his place out West.

Jimmy Butler and Gary Trent Jr. in the 2nd half

“He affects winning, and winning affects everything else,” guard Moses Moody said. “When we’re playing good it’s a lot easier to be cool off the court. He is who he is.

He has a big presence, he’s authentic to himself, so he does the candles, music, however he’s feeling whatever it is. He definitely has a presence in the locker room. He’s a real dude, and real dudes are contagious.”

And “Playoff Jimmy,” as he is known for his clutch performances in the playoffs, is doing everything to help Golden State improve their position as the season finishes.

“I think since Day 1 when Jimmy arrived in the bay he’s been ‘Playoff Jimmy.’ He couldn’t wait and they couldn’t wait,” Malone said. “When you go to a new team and new surroundings and a new culture, he’s come in from Day 1 and I think just been Jimmy Butler and the best version of Jimmy Butler.”

Butler says he hasn’t changed his game playing alongside Curry and Green — he knew them well already as an opponent.

“I play the same way, shoot the ball when I’m open, pass it more often than not and play some defense,” he said. “I think it’s everything that I expected, everything that I could actually dream of, too, if we’re being brutally honest.

They just want to win, there ain’t no individual goals here, they don’t care who scores, they don’t care who gets triple-doubles, they don’t care about none of that. All they want to do is win a championship.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler Turns Bigface Coffee from NBA Bubble Hustle to Miami Café Success

Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler (NBA)

During the 2020 NBA bubble season in Orlando, Jimmy Butler found an unconventional way to pass the time: selling coffee. Using an espresso machine in his hotel room, he started charging $20 per cup, capitalizing on his wealthy, captive audience.

This venture, which he named Bigface, initially served as a side hustle but would later become a defining part of his entrepreneurial journey. Butler’s first customer was his Miami Heat teammate Goran Dragic, who, according to Butler, never actually paid for his drinks, racking up an unpaid tab in the process.

While Dragic may still owe him money, Butler found something more valuable in his coffee-selling experience—the joy of connecting with people. The bubble was a restrictive environment, where players had little to do outside of basketball.

For Butler, making and serving coffee became a welcome escape. He recalled how much he enjoyed those moments and realized that he wanted to continue having these interactions beyond the NBA bubble. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a passion that Butler couldn’t ignore.

Jimmy Butler brings Bigface Coffee to Miami with passion and hands-on dedication

Fast forward four years, and Butler turned his coffee dream into a reality. In December, he opened the first brick-and-mortar Bigface café in Miami’s Design District. While the brand had previously been exclusive to the Orlando bubble, it was now accessible to the public.

The timing of the store’s launch was significant, as it occurred while Butler was still playing for the Miami Heat—though he was later traded to the Golden State Warriors in February. Despite the career change, his commitment to his coffee venture remained steadfast.

Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler (NBA)

To celebrate Bigface’s opening, Butler hosted a grand launch party, attended by high-profile celebrities like Carmelo Anthony, DJ Khaled, and Paul Pogba. While some might see the venture as a celebrity-driven side project, Butler has taken a hands-on approach.

He has spent offseasons traveling across South America, sampling coffee beans to ensure the highest quality for his brand. His dedication is further emphasized by his choice of leadership, bringing in Britt Berg, a former Intelligentsia executive, as Bigface’s chief operating officer.

Bigface Coffee Creates Authentic Connections Through Passion, Community, and Meaningful Experiences

Butler’s coffee venture has not only been about business but also about fostering relationships. One memorable experience for him was sharing coffee with Brazilian soccer star Neymar in Brazil, a country known as the world’s largest coffee exporter. Sitting and conversing with one of soccer’s greatest players over a cup of his own coffee was a surreal moment for Butler, highlighting how his passion for coffee had opened doors to unique experiences and meaningful interactions.

Beyond serving coffee, Butler envisions Bigface as a place for genuine human connection. Before moving to Golden State, he was frequently behind the counter, personally making drinks and engaging with customers. He encourages visitors to treat celebrities like regular people, valuing conversations over photos or autographs.

For Butler, Bigface is more than a business—it’s a lifestyle centered around authenticity, conversation, and community. His ultimate goal is to create a welcoming space where people, whether NBA fans or casual coffee lovers, can connect on a personal level.

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Basketball

Building the Ultimate Jimmy Butler Trade Package to Bring Kevin Durant to Miami

Could Kevin Durant be the missing piece for the Miami Heat? Here’s how a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler could make it happen!

The Miami Heat have always been aggressive in their pursuit of championship glory. With their current roster falling short of elite status, Pat Riley and the Heat front office could be eyeing a blockbuster trade to bring in a generational talent—Kevin Durant. The only way to make it happen? Trading their beloved leader, Jimmy Butler.

A Butler-for-Durant swap isn’t straightforward, but with the right mix of players, picks, and trade exceptions, the Heat could construct an enticing package that the Phoenix Suns might actually consider. Let’s break down what a deal could look like and how it could impact both franchises.

The Trade Package: What Would It Take?

For Phoenix to part ways with Kevin Durant, they would need a combination of All-Star talent, young prospects, and draft assets. The Heat’s best offer could look something like this:

Miami Heat Receive:

  • Kevin Durant (F)

Phoenix Suns Receive:

  • Jimmy Butler (F)
  • Tyler Herro (G)
  • Nikola Jović (F)
  • 2027 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)
  • 2029 First-Round Pick (Top-3 Protected)

This package gives the Suns a proven playoff performer in Butler, a dynamic scoring guard in Herro, and a promising young forward in Jović. More importantly, the two first-round picks provide Phoenix with valuable assets to retool for the future.

Why the Heat Make This Move

Miami’s culture thrives on star power, and Kevin Durant would instantly elevate the team’s championship aspirations. Durant’s scoring ability and efficiency would complement Bam Adebayo’s defensive prowess, while allowing Erik Spoelstra to design an offense that maximizes spacing and three-point shooting.

Superstar swap? Exploring the trade package that could send Jimmy Butler to Phoenix and land Kevin Durant in Miami!

A core of Durant, Adebayo, and Terry Rozier could be formidable in the Eastern Conference.

Additionally, Miami has struggled with late-game shot creation outside of Butler. Durant, one of the best closers in NBA history, would provide the Heat with a go-to scorer who can take over games when needed.

Why the Suns Consider It

Phoenix is in win-now mode, but they lack the depth and defensive grit to truly contend. Butler brings a proven playoff mindset, toughness, and leadership, which could be valuable alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. While losing Durant is a massive blow, Butler’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments could keep the Suns competitive in a brutal Western Conference.

Tyler Herro’s addition provides a much-needed secondary playmaker and scorer, while Jović offers developmental upside. Most importantly, the draft capital gives Phoenix flexibility to explore future moves if the current core doesn’t work out.

Potential Roadblocks

While this trade looks strong on paper, a few complications could arise:

  1. Miami’s Willingness to Part with Butler: Jimmy Butler is the heart and soul of the Heat. Would they be willing to move him for an aging superstar in Durant?
  2. Phoenix’s Interest in Butler: Would the Suns prefer younger assets instead of a win-now piece like Butler?
  3. Durant’s Desire to Play in Miami: If KD doesn’t want to be moved or prefers another destination, this deal falls apart quickly.

The idea of trading Jimmy Butler is painful for Miami fans, but acquiring Kevin Durant could give the Heat a legitimate chance to win a title in the next two seasons. If Phoenix is open to restructuring their roster and values Butler’s leadership, this trade could benefit both sides.

While the NBA landscape constantly shifts, one thing remains clear: Miami will always be in the mix for the biggest stars. If Durant becomes available, expect Pat Riley to do whatever it takes to bring him to South Beach.

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NBA (Basketball)

Building the ideal Jimmy Butler trade deal to bring Kevin Durant to Miami

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (NBA)

The NBA is in chaos, and the trade deadline is tomorrow, so anything can happen. The Luka Doncic trade still confuses me. Seeing him make halfcourt shots in the Lakers’ practice gym and shoot next to LeBron James and Austin Reaves is beyond strange. It doesn’t seem real. If this is the end, maybe it’s a sign from above.

Doncic isn’t the only big-name player traded, though. The Spurs jumped at the chance to get De’Aaron Fox, and this led to Chicago sending Zach LaVine to Sacramento. LaVine will team up with DeMar DeRozan again after three months apart, but this time he’ll be on a solid team.

The Phoenix Suns are now interested in trading Kevin Durant, which could make this one of the most exciting trade deadlines ever. Phoenix really wants to add Jimmy Butler, but they can’t get rid of Bradley Beal’s contract, so trading Durant is probably the only way to get Butler. Durant is the better player, right?

There’s a complex argument for Butler filling a specific need for Phoenix’s offense — adding more rim pressure and creating more in the halfcourt — but we’re talking about Kevin Durant here. What are we even doing? Durant is 36 and has shown signs of slowing down, but so has 34-year-old Butler. Durant is still a 7-foot-tall scoring machine, an excellent defender, and has a shot no one can block.

The rumors about a Durant-Butler trade are real, and if the Suns really do consider sending Durant to the Miami Heat in exchange for Butler, they’ll need a trade package that makes sense. That’s what we’re looking at today.

The tricky part for Phoenix is that they’re hard-capped at the second tax apron, meaning they can’t combine salaries in a trade. The Suns’ front office needs to match Durant’s $51.2 million salary exactly, without going too far over it.

Jimmy Butler stands on the court in the 2nd half

Butler makes $48.8 million, so getting Butler along with some useful role players just isn’t possible unless the Suns can make a separate trade to create salary room, which seems unlikely.

Here’s what Miami can offer for Durant right now:

  • Jimmy Butler
  • Nikola Jovic
  • A 2029 first-round pick
  • A 2031 first-round pick

Is that enough for a 36-year-old Durant in the second-to-last year of his contract? The Suns are currently ninth in the West, with a record barely above .500. If their reasoning for the trade is “why not?” it’s hard to blame them.

Butler would change the offense, and Nikola Jovic is a solid long-term player with immediate value. If the Suns can get several first-round picks from Miami — especially from years far down the line — it might be worth considering. Butler is open to signing a new deal in Phoenix, and if it doesn’t work out, the Suns would at least have more future assets to work with.

This trade seems unlikely, but the Heat want Durant, and the Suns are eager to shake things up. Sometimes tough situations lead to surprising moves. A Durant-Butler swap could actually happen.

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler is joining the Golden State Warriors, while Andrew Wiggins is heading to the Miami Heat in a trade deal

Jimmy Butler stands on the court in the 2nd half

Jimmy Butler got what he wanted. He’s being traded out of Miami and secured a new contract in the process.

The Heat and the Golden State Warriors reached an agreement on a deal that sends Butler to the Bay Area, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on Wednesday. Butler had helped lead the Heat to the NBA Finals twice before a strained relationship with the team that resulted in him being suspended three times in January.

Golden State is making the trade by moving Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters, and first-round draft picks, the person said, speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity since the trade hasn’t yet received league approval.

Wiggins and Anderson will be going to Miami; it’s not clear if Anderson will remain with the Heat. Schroder is being traded to Utah—where the Warriors were on Wednesday night—and Josh Richardson is headed from Miami to Detroit along with Waters. P.J. Tucker is also moving, having just been traded to Utah, but is now set to return to Miami, where he played in 2021-22.

“My brother, man. I’m going to miss him, for sure,” said Heat forward Nikola Jovic, who admired Butler. “I think a lot of guys here will. He’s someone who did a lot for this franchise.”

The Heat will receive a protected first-round pick from Golden State, which is currently set to be a pick in this year’s draft, but that could change based on final terms. Butler has already agreed to a two-year, $113 million extension with the Warriors.

“I’m really happy that he got what he wanted,” Jovic said. “That bag’s kinda really big.”

Andrew Wiggins celebrates with Brandon Podziemski in the 2nd half

Golden State is Butler’s fifth team after playing for Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Miami. His arrivals were celebrated in all of these cities, though his exits were not always smooth.

With the Warriors, Butler will join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who were part of all four of the Warriors’ recent championship teams and are hopeful of making another title run.

The Warriors had a closed-door meeting on Wednesday as news of the trade was coming out. Coach Steve Kerr spoke with the team during the time that the locker room is typically open to reporters before games. The Warriors ended up losing to Utah 131-128.

“Our guys were in the locker room getting ready to play and all of a sudden we’re saying goodbye,” Kerr said.

Butler’s split with the Heat had been building for months. The main issue was money; he was eligible for a two-year, $113 million extension, but the Heat never offered it, mainly because he missed about 25% of the games during his time with Miami.

The relationship broke down completely by the end. When Butler said in early January that he didn’t expect to find joy on the court with the Heat again, he was suspended for seven games, which was the final straw in a series of incidents the team labeled detrimental conduct.

The situation got worse: Butler was suspended three times in January, the second time for missing a team flight and the last time for leaving a shootaround early after learning he wouldn’t start a January 27 game against Orlando. That was the end.

“There was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler said after his first game back following the first suspension. “We’ll let people keep talking. … The whole truth will come out.”

The Heat said Butler asked for a trade, which led them to shift their stance from team president Pat Riley’s earlier promise not to trade him. After the first suspension, the Heat said they were working to make a trade happen.

Butler is averaging 17 points per game this season. He had one of the best statistical games in Heat history against Detroit on December 16, with 35 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.

It wasn’t the same after that. In his next six appearances, including one where he left early due to illness, Butler averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

Miami Heat players in the 2nd half

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, has averaged 18.5 points over 11 seasons—first with Minnesota and then with Golden State. He is someone Kerr has praised at times this season, and when Wiggins played well, the Warriors usually followed suit. Golden State had an 8-3 record this season when Wiggins scored at least 23 points.

“Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached,” Kerr said. “Just a beautiful soul, just a wonderful human being. And we don’t hang that (championship) banner in ’22 without him. Everything he brings every single day, the laughter, the smile, the joy, just a wonderful human being. And so, I’m going to miss him.”

Butler joined Miami in 2019 to fill the role of the team’s star player, replacing Dwyane Wade. He was an All-Star twice in Miami, led the Heat to the NBA Finals in the bubble in 2020, and again in 2023 as a No. 8 seed. He also delivered several standout postseason performances.

There have been 18 40-point games in Heat playoff history, and Butler is responsible for eight of them, including a team-record 56 points against Milwaukee in 2023.

The last time Butler spoke publicly as a Heat player was at a padel tournament on January 25. “I love this city with everything that I have,” he said that day.

Two days later, he was suspended by the Heat for the third and final time.

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Jimmy Butler claims he won’t sign with Warriors if traded, reports Miami

Jimmy Butler (NBA)

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has told the Golden State Warriors that he wouldn’t agree to a contract extension if he’s traded to their team

Butler is currently serving a suspension from the Heat for not fulfilling his duties and for conduct that is considered harmful to the team. The Heat are actively trying to trade him, as Butler wants out of Miami. With the NBA trade deadline approaching on Thursday and fewer options available, Butler is being very selective about where he ends up.

Butler had previously told the Memphis Grizzlies that he wouldn’t sign an extension if they traded for him, causing talks with them to fall apart. The same has happened with the Warriors, at least for the time being.

Jimmy Butler (NBA)

Butler is aiming to be traded to the Phoenix Suns, a team he has said he’d be willing to sign a long-term extension with. Reports say the Suns have been trying to work out a multi-team trade to bring him to their roster.

At 35 years old, Butler has a $52 million player option for next season. It’s expected that he will turn it down and become a free agent unless he is traded to Phoenix.

This season, Butler has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 25 games. Over his 14 seasons in the NBA, the six-time All-Star has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 839 games (734 starts).

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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler Wears Suns-Inspired Kicks in Miami, Hours After Phoenix Trade Move

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler walks off the court after the game

Jimmy Butler’s choice of shoes during the Miami Heat’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers has sparked rumors about his possible trade to the Phoenix Suns.

Butler, who wore Suns-themed sneakers, recently returned from a seven-game suspension for conduct issues but continues to show interest in being traded, with Phoenix being his preferred destination.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted Butler’s desire to join the Suns, saying other trade options are less important to him.

The Suns, who have a 21-21 record and are 10th in the Western Conference, are reportedly strengthening their trade assets.

They recently acquired several first-round picks in deals with the Utah Jazz, which could help them secure Butler. Pairing him with stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant seems to be a top priority, especially with Durant’s age and the team’s need to improve.

Jimmy Butler prepares to shoot a free throw

Meanwhile, Miami continues to struggle. The Heat have lost four of their last five games, with Butler scoring 13 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out eight assists in the loss to Portland. The Blazers, led by Anfernee Simons’ 24 points and Deandre Ayton’s double-double, secured the win.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra maintains that the team is staying focused, but the rumors about Butler’s future are creating a distraction.

The trade deadline on February 6 is fast approaching, and Phoenix’s recent moves suggest they are preparing to make a serious push for Butler, which could change their playoff chances.

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NBA (Basketball)

Erik Spoelstra to Heat: Move on from Jimmy Butler’s suspension

Jimmy Butler stands on the ground in the 2nd half

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra shared a message with his team after another suspension for star forward Jimmy Butler, who will miss the next two-game road trip to Milwaukee and Brooklyn due to missing a team flight.

“The point I made to our team is get used to it,” Spoelstra said after Thursday’s shootaround. “Get over it. This is the NBA life; this is the life we chose. If you think it’s going to be predictable, you’re really mistaken.”

The Heat suspended Butler on Wednesday for what they called a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct, and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing Wednesday’s team flight to Milwaukee.” This is just the latest issue in a long-running situation between the Heat and their frustrated star.

Before Spoelstra’s media session, a Heat PR official told reporters that Spoelstra would not answer questions about Butler, a policy that had been in place for several weeks following the first suspension.

Butler had just returned last Friday from a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.” He played three games, averaging 13 points in 29 minutes per game, before receiving the latest two-game suspension, which means the Heat will be without him in Milwaukee on Thursday.

Jimmy Butler walks on the court after the game

“It takes mental fortitude and commitment in terms of the task at hand,” Spoelstra said. “Nothing changes in terms of the task at hand. We have a game tonight, we know what our identity is now. You can make any excuse, but we get to do what we love.”

“We’ve had this happen all season long, so we know the drill and what we need to do to make those adjustments.”

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler wants to be traded, and sources told ESPN on Friday that the Heat are looking to accommodate Butler’s request. The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6.

When asked about the Butler situation, Heat guard Tyler Herro said, “We all know everything that’s going on. Not much to talk about.”

“It’s probably not the easiest to work with someone who’s going to be in and out in any job,” Herro said Thursday. “We love Jimmy; we’d love for him to be here. I love Jimmy.”