Jimmy Butler was a perfect fit for the Miami Heat—until he wasn’t. Once again, he has found himself on the move, leaving behind a burned bridge. The Heat granted Jimmy Butler’s trade request on Wednesday, sending him to the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler Gets His Way (And Extension) With Trade to Warriors
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal involves multiple teams, with Miami receiving and then deciding on Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. The Detroit Pistons are also involved, acquiring Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson. Meanwhile, Schroder will head to the Utah Jazz. Anderson almost landed with the Toronto Raptors but that deal fell through within minutes. The Heat also reunite with PJ Tucker, who arrives from Utah as part of the deal.
This will be Butler’s fifth NBA team. Each departure has been turbulent, and this one is no exception. His exit from Miami followed suspensions and public disagreements with the organization.
A New Home and a New Deal
Minutes after the trade, Charania reported that Butler agreed to a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors. He declined his 2025-26 player option to secure this new deal.
The Warriors pivoted to Butler after Kevin Durant reportedly rejected a reunion. With Golden State clinging to the final play-in spot, Butler’s arrival is a desperate attempt to salvage their season. The team sits 2.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Clippers and is tied with the Dallas Mavericks for 10th. No 10th seed has ever advanced beyond the play-in tournament, making Butler’s addition a high-stakes gamble.
The Pattern Continues: Butler’s Messy Breakups
Butler’s career has been marked by clashes and controversial exits. The Chicago Bulls traded him after he questioned his teammates’ motivation. The Minnesota Timberwolves moved him following conflicts with Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiggins. The Philadelphia 76ers let him go in favor of Tobias Harris.
His Miami tenure initially defied that trend. He led the Heat to two NBA Finals, embodying the team’s culture alongside head coach Erik Spoelstra. But the relationship soured, culminating in a surreal press conference where Butler claimed he had lost his love for the game.
The Heat responded by suspending him for seven games. A players’ union grievance is still pending over that decision. Butler then missed a team flight and received another two-game suspension. When he learned he wouldn’t start upon his return, he stormed out of practice, leading to an indefinite suspension. Miami made it clear he would not play again before the trade deadline.
How It All Fell Apart
Tension between Butler and the Heat’s front office had been building for months. After Miami’s first-round playoff loss to the Celtics last season, Butler suggested they would have advanced if he had been healthy. Pat Riley fired back, telling Butler to “keep your mouth shut.”
The Heat president also made it clear the team wouldn’t extend Butler’s contract. That decision reportedly led Butler to request a trade, though Riley initially denied any plans to move him. As Butler’s dissatisfaction grew, his relationship with the organization became untenable.
Before his suspension, Butler was logging the fewest minutes since his second NBA season. His role diminished, and his commitment came into question. For a player known for his competitive edge, his Miami tenure ended in a way few expected—disengaged and discontent.
Warriors Make a Low-Risk, High-Reward Move With Jimmy Butler Trade
For the Warriors, acquiring Butler without giving up their young core is a major win. Stephen Curry has emphasized that the team should not mortgage its future for immediate contention. This trade aligns with that vision, costing only one protected first-round pick.
Golden State hopes Butler can provide the defensive intensity and consistent shot creating they need to remain competitive. Whether he integrates smoothly into their system remains to be seen, but his track record suggests he will bring an edge to the locker room.
With trade details still emerging, this deal could evolve further. What’s certain is that Butler has once again forced his way out of a situation he no longer wanted. The Warriors now hope he brings more stability to their roster than he has to any of his previous teams.
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