According to NBA reporter Nick Friedell, the Golden State Warriors have had discussions about adding Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler to the roster. However, Friedell also notes that the locker room fit could be questionable.Jimmy Butler’s name has popped up in the conversation…I think it’s a fit on paper, but I’m not sure how he fits into that locker room as the alpha personality that he is and I don’t know if after all the wear and tear on his knees the Warriors would want to give him that extension. That would scare the hell out of me.”
In May, reports suggested that Butler is hoping for a supermax contract extension this summer. However, in the team’s exit interview, Heat president Pat Riley revealed the two sides have not had discussion talks yet.We don’t have to do that for a year. We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment.”
The 34-year-old Butler has one guaranteed year left on his contract. Additionally, he is eligible for a two-year supermax contract that could be worth around $113 million. Butler has spent the last five seasons with the Heat. In that time, he has led the team to two NBA Finals appearances. Furthermore, he has been selected to two All-Star teams in that time and finished top-15 in MVP voting twice.
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Warriors will likely make some tough decisions this summer. In addition to potentially moving on from Chris Paul and former champions Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins, the team may lose Klay Thompson in the offseason. Thompson, who has been with the team since they drafted him in 2011, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 34-year-old is coming off of one of the worst campaigns of his career so far. In 77 games played, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc. All these numbers are near career-lows for the five-time All-Star. However, he will still likely have a lot of interest as a free agent. So far, reports have indicated that the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat will all explore the idea of adding Thompson. Because of this, the Warriors must have a backup plan if he does move on.
