Kerr: Andrew Wiggins '1 of My Favorite Players' After Warriors' Jimmy Butler Trade
Feb 6, 2025
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 15: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball down court during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 15, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reflected on the realities of the NBA after the team agreed to trade Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in a sprawling deal that brings Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.
ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported Wednesday the Warriors are acquiring Butler from the Heat in a move that includes the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons.
Addressing the trade after Golden State's 131-128 loss to the Jazz, Kerr called Wiggins "one of my favorite players I've ever coached" and praised the veteran forward's contributions to the Warriors' 2022 championship.
Steve Kerr on Andrew Wiggins: “Just had a baby boy last week. Girls in school. Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a wonderful soul. We don’t hang that banner in ‘22 without him…I’m gonna miss him.” pic.twitter.com/jR28a2SPQd
"You develop these relationships with guys," he said. "They give you everything and commit to the team. They got families. Wigs just had a baby boy last week. Wigs is one of my favorite players I've ever coached. Just a beautiful soul, a wonderful human being. We don't hang that banner in '22 without him. Everything he brings, every single day, the laughter, the smile, the joy. Just a wonderful human being, so I'm gonna miss him."
It always seemed likely Golden State would make changes to maximize Stephen Curry's shrinking window, and eventually it became inevitable that the core trio of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green would be broken up. That came to fruition when Thompson departed the Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal in the offseason, joining the Dallas Mavericks.
That left the Warriors with a few options. Chris Paul's contract made him either a natural trade chip in the pursuit of another star or a release candidate, given his contract was non-guaranteed. The Warriors went with the latter.
The team's young players, namely Jonathan Kuminga, also held value on the market. But if they were dealt, it was going to be as part of a package deal. Losing Kuminga wouldn't have been ideal.
Enter Wiggins, who is still in his prime at 29, has a moveable contract ($26.2 million in 2024-25, $28.2 million in 2025-26 and a $30.1 million player option in 2026-27) and is a solid player, albeit one who saw his role diminish in Golden State last season.
Wiggins averaged just 13.2 points per game and shot 35.8 percent from three. He was excellent to start his career in Golden State and was a key piece in the team's NBA title in the 2021-22 season, but that player didn't show up for the Dubs last season. He has been better this year, however (17.6 PPG).
It was time to shake up the core group around Curry and Wiggins was the next natural domino to fall.
With the Warriors involving themselves in the Butler saga, Wiggins made sense as one of the players to head back to Miami. He'll see a bigger offensive role with the Heat, pairing with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro as Miami looks to fight its way into the playoffs.
Video: Steph Curry, Steve Kerr React to Jimmy Butler Trade and Timing of NBA Deadline
Feb 6, 2025
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stephen Curry is hoping the Jimmy Butler drama is over following the former Miami Heat forward's trade to the Golden State Warriors.
Butler waived his 2025-26 player option and signed a two-year extension as part of the multi-team trade that sent him to the Warriors, ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported Wednesday night.
The trade news broke just before Curry and the Warriors played the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Curry said after the Warriors loss that he texted Butler at halftime, and that Butler sent him "a very pleasant message" in response.
"I understand there's a lot of drama down there, and who really knows what the story is," Curry said after the loss. "We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy that's ready to impact our team for the better."
Steph Curry on Jimmy Butler: “I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is. We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy.”
Curry text Butler at halftime tonight to welcome him. Butler text a “pleasant” message back. pic.twitter.com/w9deX8Ohdg
When asked how the team could make the new addition a "drama-free situation," Curry said Butler's extension was an indication the discontented Heat star would fit it in with the Warriors.
"Him signing an extension is big, knowing he's committed for this next little run, and we've got to figure it out," Curry said.
Steph Curry on the belief that the Warriors can integrate Jimmy Butler in a drama-free environment: “Him signing an extension is big, knowing he’s committed for this next little run.” pic.twitter.com/DkrcNB40Gm
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr meanwhile said processing trade news that involved the departures of Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and Dennis Schröder just before tip-off was difficult for both himself and his team.
"I think the league should consider making the trade deadline at the All-Star break, just so you don't have to face these games where guys are getting traded half an hour before a game, and you're trying to process the emotions and trying to win a game," Kerr said. "I don't know if it's possible, but it would be great if we could move it back, or make the last couple of days before the deadline off days."
"These are tough days for sure."
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr weighs in on the challenges of the NBA trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/QIglHi6dBT
Butler has played just five games since Dec. 20 amid a public split from the Heat that led to three separate suspensions by the team. But Curry expressed hope the Warriors could "feed off the energy of something new" once he returns to the court.
"It'll look different than what we're used to," Curry said. "I mean, he can show a little bit of emotion, but he's a shot creator, a finisher, someone who you have to take into account no matter where he is on the floor."
Curry concluded: "I'm going to watch a lot of, whenever there's time, I'll watch a lot of Miami film to understand some of the sets they like to run for him, and see what we can transition to our playbook."
The Warriors, who haven't strung together three straight wins since November, currently sit just behind the Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference's 10th seed.
The team was reportedly interested in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Suns before Durant told his team he didn't want to come to Golden State, according to Charania and Windhorst. The Warriors will now hope the acquisition of Butler can help the team beat out Durant and the Suns for the final play-in spot in the West.
NBA News: Jimmy Butler to Reportedly Wear No. 10 Warriors Jersey After Heat Trade
Feb 6, 2025
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Joining a new team means a number change for Jimmy Butler.
Butler, who was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, will wear No. 10 for his new squad, per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Butler's former No. 22 would presumably be available since Andrew Wiggins was traded to the Heat as part of the deal, but perhaps he felt it was time for a change.
Butler wore No. 21 with the Chicago Bulls, No. 23 with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers and was No. 22 for six years in Miami. It will take fans some time to get used to seeing the six-time All-Star rocking both a Warriors jersey and his new number.
Butler hasn't had the best year, albeit he's played just 25 games. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season at just 17 points per game and he's adding 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
He was clearly not happy in Miami, though, and joining a new squad could be exactly what Butler needs to get back on track.
The Warriors seem to have confidence Butler can return to All-Star form, as they gave up a hefty haul for him. Golden State gave up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindsey Waters III and a protected first-round pick in the deal. Wiggins and Anderson are heading to Miami, Schröder will join the Utah Jazz and Waters is now with the Detroit Pistons.
Trading for an aging star like Butler might be a bit of a risk for the Warriors, but they needed to make a splash at the deadline to reroute their season. Golden State is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24 but will soon look to surge behind a revamped roster.
Jimmy Butler Reacts to Warriors Trade from Heat: 'Welcome to the Wild Wild West'
Feb 6, 2025
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler has spent most of his career in the East, but now the star is heading West.
The Miami Heat traded Butler to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, a month after the disgruntled star first requested a trade. Butler reacted to the move accordingly on social media.
Butler, who started his career with the Chicago Bulls, had a short stint in the Western Conference, joining the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the 2017-18 season but departing midway through the 2018-19 season in a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, he's remained in the Eastern Conference.
Butler appears to be embracing the trade to the Warriors, which comes as a bit of a surprise considering most reports indicated his desired trade destination was the Phoenix Suns. ESPN's Brian Windhorst even reported on Sunday that Butler "communicated to the Warriors that he's unwilling to sign an extension."
His thought process clearly changed in a matter of days, as he ended up signing a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors after the trade, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Butler hasn't had his best season thus far, putting up 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season. There's still plenty of season left, though, and Butler could end up returning to his All-Star form soon after joining his new squad.
The Warriors will need the best version of Butler to stay in the playoff race. Golden State is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24.
Jimmy Butler Trade to Warriors Excites NBA Fans as Curry Gets Help for Title Pursuit
Feb 6, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Jimmy Butler saga is finally, and mercifully, over.
The Miami Heat have traded him to the Golden State Warriors as part of a five-team deal, with the Warriors giving up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Lindy Waters III, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Warriors sent a 2025 top-10 protected first rounder to the Heat as part of the Jimmy Butler trade, per sources. If it doesn’t convey this season (it likely will), it turns into a top-10 protected first rounder next season.
Butler also landed a lucrative contract extension as part of the arrangement, per Shams:
New Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler has agreed to a new two-year, $121 million extension with the franchise through 2026-27, sources tell me and @WindhorstESPN. Butler is declining his 2025-26 player option for this new $121M deal.
And so ends what had become an epic, and tiresome, showdown between the Heat and Butler that included fines, indefinite suspensions and enough trade rumors to last a lifetime.
But now Butler will be joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the Dubs look to resurrect their title hopes, with social media offering a wide array of responses to the blockbuster deal:
Well, the Warriors got Jimmy. Him as a screener, cutter, post player will be interesting. Wonder how the usage goes but I get the swing. Miami has some added depth, I think those guys fit what Miami likes to do. https://t.co/gMAsWAuixJ
I don't have an NFL comp for the Jimmy Butler trade, and I really don't have an in-depth idea of what Golden State's roster looks like, but I know this:
Trying to close out Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler late in close playoff games is not going to be easy for anyone.
Jimmy Butler told his boss he didn't want to work there anymore so they gave him six weeks paid vacation and then sent him to a new company that gave him $121 million. Jimmy Butler is the American Dream.
Warriors still probably one or two moves away from any serious playoff discussion. I just dont like the roster’s fit right now, especially when Kuminga returns.
The Butler trade is the right move for the Warriors. At least gives them a chance the next 2 years. But sad to see Wiggins go. He was having a good season and will always be a Warriors favorite after the 22 championship.
On the one hand, they desperately needed a true No. 2 option on offense behind Curry, and Butler is more than capable of scratching that itch. He'll provide solid secondary playmaking and defense, and his experience in the playoffs—and his shot-making in the clutch—will make the Warriors dangerous in late-game scenarios, given Curry's proficiency in those moments as well.
But there are some potential fit issues. Green has traditionally been the secondary playmaker for this offense, a role that should shift more to Butler. There are also some floor-spacing concerns, given that Butler isn't a natural catch-and-shoot player, and Green's issues from the perimeter are well known. And both Butler and Green are fiery personalities, so there are some vibe questions to be answered as well.
But the Warriors needed to take a gamble with Curry's prime years dwindling, and Butler is an improvement over the players they gave up. Whether it's enough to catapult the team into contender status remains to be seen.
Warriors, Heat Updated Rosters, Salary Cap After Jimmy Butler Trade
Feb 6, 2025
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Just over a month after he first requested a trade, Jimmy Butler is finally on the move.
The Miami Heat traded their disgruntled star to the Golden State Warriors, per ESPN's Shams Charania. In a five-team deal, the Heat landed Andrew Wiggins and P.J. Tucker, per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Golden State sent Dennis Schröder to the Utah Jazz, per Charania. Charania also noted that Miami landed Kyle Anderson in the deal.
The Warriors have had a rough start to the season, but are hoping the move for Butler will pay off. Meanwhile, the Heat are likely just happy to get a solid return for Butler.
Following the trade, here's a look at Golden State and Miami's updated rosters.
Golden State Warriors Depth Chart
PG: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer
SG: Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III
SF: Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Gui Santos
PF: Draymond Green, Moses Moody
C: Quinten Post, Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Miami Heat Depth Chart
PG: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Alec Burks, Josh Christopher
SG: Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson
SF: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith
PF: Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Anderson
C: Kel'el Ware, Kevin Love
The Warriors took a cap hit of $48.798 million and they are now $58.627 million over the cap, per Spotrac. The Heat will add Wiggins' $26.276 million salary and Tucker's $11.539 million salary, putting them at $38.121 million over the cap, per Spotrac.
While the Warriors had to give up a hefty haul, they still managed to stay below the first apron, giving them a bit more financial flexibility. The Heat are above the first apron but still sit $8.254 million below the second apron, per Spotrac.
The trade for Butler has been a month in the making, though the Warriors weren't always the favorite. In fact, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Sunday that Butler "communicated to the Warriors that he's unwilling to sign an extension."
It's unclear at this point if Butler's stance changed and he's now willing to sign an extension with Golden State or if the Warriors just decided to trade for him anyway knowing he might leave at the end of the season.
Either way, Golden State will hope to get the most out of the six-time All-Star this season as it looks to make a playoff push. The Warriors are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24, desperate for a spark to change the course of their season.
Butler hasn't been quite as productive as normal, putting up 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists, though he's played just 25 games. He was also clearly unhappy in Miami, so perhaps a change of scenery will help him return to All-Star form.
The Heat likely would have preferred to keep Butler, but given they had little option but to trade him, they came out of the deal in a decent position. Wiggins has put up similar numbers to Butler, but Miami is getting him at a significantly cheaper rate. The trade also gives the Heat more financial flexibility as they prepare to potentially add a big free agent this offseason.
Before Miami focuses on the offseason, it will look to stay in the playoff race without Butler. The Heat are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference at 24-24.
Jimmy Butler Traded to Warriors, Signs $121M Contract; Wiggins to Heat in 5-Team Deal
Feb 6, 2025
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 4: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 4, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Jimmy Butler saga is finally over for the Miami Heat.
The three-time NBA champions traded the six-time All-Star to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and more, as the teams announced Thursday:
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have acquired Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a 2025 protected first round draft pick from Golden State and Davion Mitchell from Toronto in exchange for Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, two second round draft picks & cash considerations in a 5-team deal. pic.twitter.com/y6rsrxAXVd
Pistons receive: Lindy Waters III, Josh Richardson
Raptors receive: P.J. Tucker
The Toronto Raptors were initially set to receive Anderson, but he will remain in Miami:
Miami is keeping Kyle Anderson for now, sources said. So Wiggins, Tucker and Anderson are in Miami along with the Warriors‘ protected first-rounder. https://t.co/jo4Ar64CB1
The first-round pick going to the Heat is top-10 protected in 2025 and becomes unprotected in 2026, per Chris Haynes.
Butler, meanwhile, didn't just get a trade. He also reportedly landed a new contract as part of the deal.
Charania explained Butler will decline his 2025-26 player option and agree to a new two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors that runs through the 2026-27 campaign.
This comes after a total breakdown in the relationship between the Heat and their best player. Butler was suspended on three different occasions, the most recent of which was for an indefinite period of time and effectively sealed his exit.
Things were always going to come to a head sooner or later.
Butler had that $52.4 million player option for 2025-26, so he was in effect entering the final year of his contract. Charania reported in June for The Athletic he was refraining from signing an extension with the Heat with an eye toward free agency.
By mid-December, Charania reported Miami was at least entertaining trade offers, while Butler was signaling he preferred to be traded by the Feb. 6 deadline. Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald added he was disappointed the team "did not publicly deny" the idea it was listening on trade talks.
Then came Butler's now-infamous press conference in which he said he had lost his "joy" on the court and didn't think he'd rediscover it in Miami. A report on his desire for a trade followed shortly thereafter.
In general, the Heat have been loathe to pack it in, even for one season, with Pat Riley leading the front office, and that's what trading Butler would basically mean.
ESPN's Bobby Marks noted the current collective bargaining agreement also provides a broad incentive for resisting trade overtures and letting a star walk in free agency.
Important to remember that instead of taking back contracts that hurt flexibility, the Clippers let Paul George leave in free agency for nothing.
The savings turned into James Harden, Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Batum and extensions for Terance Mann,… https://t.co/0sETLYPtlE
This all stems from the fact that re-signing Butler was a topic that required some serious deliberation for Miami. Thanks to a lot of factors, it wasn't as simple as offering the most money at the earliest opportunity.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne also laid out how the Heat afforded Butler the privileges you'd come to expect for a star player and then some. Over time, the bargain appeared to be less and less worth it for Miami, especially when it has succeeded in making "Heat Culture" such a big part of its organizational identity.
Especially with the benefit of hindsight, a comment made by Riley at his exit interview last spring was telling.
That was a pretty emphatic rebuke of a star player, and Jackson and Chiang said in their report that that Butler "was caught off guard" by Riley's comment. That might have been a point of no return.
There's no question the 6'7" forward has made his old teams pay when they expressed any sort of reservations about his value.
The Chicago Bulls didn't view him as a foundational cornerstone and have come to regret it ever since. His contract dispute with the Minnesota Timberwolves sowed the seeds for him to go scorched earth there and set the organization back years. Philadelphia 76ers fans rued for a long time what could've been if the Sixers had basically chosen him over Ben Simmons.
Butler is also the biggest reason why the Heat became a title contender again. In the five years between the end of Miami's Big Three era and his arrival, the team made the playoffs twice and failed to advance past the second round on both occasions.
"I think it would be crazy for the Heat not to extend Jimmy Butler...No superstar in the NBA has done more with less than Jimmy Butler has in the last five years." – @RohanNadkarni
We examine what the Heat should do in the wake of Pat Riley's comments about Jimmy Butler.
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 9, 2024
He had a strong case to approach the front office and ask for a max contract. The Heat, however, had an equally strong case to haggle over the terms and not reflexively put a max offer on the table.
Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 2023-24. He also shot 49.9 percent overall and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc. His scoring average (22.9) and field-goal percentage (53.9) both dipped a bit from 2022-23.
Although his scoring (17.0 points) is continuing to trend downward, he has become a more efficient shooter (54.0 percent overall) in 2024-25.
In terms of projecting how much he'll be worth moving forward, the fact that Butler only suited up for 60 games a season ago continued a worrying trend as well. Not once since getting traded to Miami has he logged more than 64 appearances in a single season.
There's also a cost to the way in which Butler seemingly holds something back in the regular season to save his best for the playoffs. That sounds great in theory, but it's not a coincidence the Heat fell into the play-in tournament in each of the last two years.
The 2024 playoffs provided a reality check about the notion Butler and Miami can keep flipping a switch when it matters the most.
If push came to shove and he was insistent on demanding a max extension, then moving on from the decorated two-way star is the smart long-term play. In addition to the concerns about his age, the CBA means front offices have to be more diligent in how they spend. Locking in Butler beyond 2025 could've resigned Miami to a fate where it's basically in the same position it is now, only with steadily diminishing returns.
This represents a bit of a departure for Riley and his distaste for rebuilds. There was almost no scenario in which Miami could trade Butler and avoid taking a step backward.
The Heat are hoping they don't become the next NBA franchise that regrets the day it crossed Jimmy Buckets.
For the Warriors, they hope Butler is the star who puts them over the top as they try to capture one more championship with Stephen Curry on the roster.
Since winning the 2022 NBA Finals, Golden State lost in the conference semifinals and then failed to make the postseason entirely. The front office acknowledged with the sign-and-trade of Klay Thompson last summer that major changes were required, and attempts to land Paul George or Lauri Markkanen during the 2024 offseason were both unsuccessful.
Acquiring Butler certainly presents some risks because going all-in to this degree will make the inevitable rebuild once Curry is gone all the more difficult. But the Warriors were limited in how much they could upgrade the supporting cast around Steph, and this might have been the best they could in terms of an all-in move.
NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Trade Pursuit Abandoned By Warriors; Jimmy Butler New Focus
Feb 5, 2025
PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 3: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns smiles during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2025 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly giving up on their dreams of reuniting with Kevin Durant.
Per The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Sam Amick, the Warriors "have decided to move on from their pursuit of" the Phoenix Suns star. Durant was reportedly "cold to the idea" of reuniting with his former team.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Golden State is shifting its focus to Miami Heat disgruntled star Jimmy Butler. According to Stein, Dennis Schröder's expiring contract "is a central element" of a potential trade.
NBA Insider Kevin O'Connor noted that a potential trade for Butler has been picking up steam:
"Jimmy Butler to Golden State" is about as loud in NBA circles as "Kevin Durant to Golden State" was yesterday at this same time. We'll see if the Warriors and Heat can actually reach the finish line on this one though.
Durant does not have a no-trade clause, meaning the Warriors could still trade for him, but NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that Golden State does "not want to bring in a disgruntled superstar."
Durant, who spent three seasons in Golden State and won a pair of titles and Finals MVPs, is putting up 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this year. Whether he'll be traded to another team at the deadline remains to be seen, but he won't be suiting up for the Dubs again anytime soon.
While the Warriors aren't interested in bringing in a player who doesn't want to be there, they might be getting that in a potential deal for Butler. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Sunday that Butler "communicated to the Warriors that he's unwilling to sign an extension." Even with Butler's seeming uninterest in joining Golden State, the team thinks it is "firmly in the mix" for him, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater.
If the Dubs can't land Butler, they reportedly have a backup plan. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on SportsCenter Wednesday that failure to trade for Durant or Butler could see Golden State make a move for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević.
Vučević might not be the All-Star-caliber player they hoped to land, but he could certainly help get them in playoff shape. Vučević, 34, is putting up 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season, shooting an efficient 40.1 percent from deep.
The Warriors are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24 and clearly need to make a move before Thursday's deadline to change the course of their season. After missing out on Durant, they'll hope to avoid going into the second half of the season empty-handed.
Warriors Trade Rumors: Nikola Vučević Could Be Targeted amid Durant, Butler Pursuits
Feb 5, 2025
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 31: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 31, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have trade deadline dreams of landing a player like Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler, but they reportedly have a backup plan if they can't add a star.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on SportsCenter Wednesday that the Warriors could pivot to Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević if they can't land Butler or Durant before Thursday's deadline.
"They've called on players like Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, I'm told," Charania said. "That will continue between and now tomorrow's deadline. If they miss out on those guys, potentially what you could see is a player like Nikola Vučević at center."
Vučević might not be the same caliber of player as Butler or Durant, but he would still be a welcome addition as the Warriors look to make a playoff run. The 34-year-old is averaging 19.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He's also shooting a scorching-hot 40.1 percent from deep after struggling from range last season.
Golden State still has time to find a deal for either Durant or Butler, but the window for landing either of the two stars seems to be closing quickly.
Charania reported Wednesday on NBA Today that Durant "has no desire" to return to his former team in a trade this season.
As Golden State pursues Phoenix's Kevin Durant, the two-time Warriors NBA Finals MVP has no desire in a reunion and does not want to go back. Reporting for NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/tNeTzw2gCf
While he doesn't have a no-trade clause like his teammate Bradley Beal, the Warriors "do not want to bring in a disgruntled superstar," per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Unless something changes drastically before Thursday's deadline, it seems Golden State will have to move on from a possible reunion with Durant.
As for a potential trade for Butler, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported earlier this week that Butler told Golden State he's "unwilling to sign an extension," which seemingly put an end to trade conversations. Still, the Warriors believe they are still "firmly in the mix for Butler," according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater.
The Warriors have just one day to finalize any trades, and with potential deals for Durant and Butler seemingly far away, pivoting to Vučević could be the wiser and more realistic option.
Whether Vučević or another piece, Golden State clearly needs to do something at the deadline to get back in the playoff mix. The Warriors are currently 25-24, sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference and threatening to miss the postseason for a second consecutive year.
NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Has 'Serious Reservations' About Warriors Trade amid Buzz
Feb 5, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Chase Center on February 10, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant previously won two championships with the Golden State Warriors, but he reportedly has some concerns about a potential second stint should the Phoenix Suns decide to trade him to his former team before Thursday's deadline.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Wednesday that "there is a distinct sense percolating now that Durant does not want to be traded at all."
Stein and Fischer also noted the future Hall of Famer "has some serious reservations about" potentially returning to the Warriors.
ESPN's Shams Charania later confirmed on NBA Today that Durant is not looking to return to the Bay Area:
As Golden State pursues Phoenix's Kevin Durant, the two-time Warriors NBA Finals MVP has no desire in a reunion and does not want to go back. Reporting for NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/tNeTzw2gCf
While the idea of a Durant return to Golden State may have seemed shocking weeks ago, so did Luka Dončić ending up on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Deadlines make deals, and the Warriors are reportedly quite interested in landing another star to play alongside Stephen Curry who could help their franchise icon make another deep playoff run.
Charania reported Monday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that Golden State is "legitimately calling about every All-Star player." He listed Durant, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James and Paul George during the discussion and underscored how "dead set" the front office is on adding an impact piece next to Curry.
"The Warriors are legitimately calling about every All-Star player..
Durant surely has fond memories of his time in Golden State.
After all, the team went to the NBA Finals in each of his three seasons from 2016-17 to 2018-19 and won two championships. He was the NBA Finals MVP in back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018 and added those titles to a resume that was littered with other accomplishments.
However, he also drew plenty of ridicule and criticism for joining a team that was coming off an NBA-record 73-win season. That his Oklahoma City Thunder had just lost in seven games to the Warriors in the previous Western Conference Finals only added to the notion he was taking a shortcut to a title.
Still, joining this season's Warriors would be a much different circumstance.
They are tied with the Sacramento Kings, Suns and Dallas Mavericks for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings and could be fighting for play-in tournament positioning the rest of the campaign.
Ironically, Durant's Suns are one of the teams they are battling with, and there could be a play-in matchup down the line if he stays in Phoenix.
