The Golden State Warriors are reportedly more interested in acquiring Nikola Vucevic than Jimmy Butler.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching in a month, and the Golden State Warriors are starting to prepare their roster to strengthen their team. The Warriors are looking to add a star player who can help Steph Curry on offense, and Jimmy Butler’s name came up first.
However, according to multiple reports, the Warriors are unlikely to make a deal for the Miami winger.
The Warriors have already completed a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schroder, and the German point guard has found his place in Steve Kerr’s starting five. Furthermore, Jimmy Butler, who was a priority target for the Warriors, no longer appears to be part of their plans before the transfer deadline.
The Warriors would now be more interested in Nikola Vucevic than in Jimmy Butler.
In recent weeks, the Jimmy Butler trade rumor has gained momentum, and recent developments with the Miami Heat have given rival clubs the opportunity to make offers. Jimmy Butler was recently suspended by the Heat for behavior detrimental to the team. The Florida franchise has officially started considering its transfer.
According to NBC’s Monte Poole, “The Warriors, according to league sources, were ‘reluctant’ to sign Butler, even despite reports that the Miami Heat star was interested in a trade to Golden State.”
The Athletic brought more elements to this saga.
The outlet claims that Golden State could be an ideal option for Butler, but that the Warriors do not currently view him as a viable option. Butler’s age and injury history make him a risky pick. His salary is also a major obstacle.
Jimmy Butler missed 22 regular season games last season and has already missed 20 in the 2024-25 season. Over the last three seasons, the six-time All-Star has missed a total of 60 regular season games. Butler makes $48.8 million this season, with a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26.
Butler, who initially preferred to join a Texas-based team, has already received rejections from the Mavericks and Rockets, according to reports. The Phoenix Suns are currently in the lead in trying to complete a trade, but that would require a third team to be involved.
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