Report: Jimmy Butler could draw interest from 1 Western Conference team

Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler might not necessarily be back with the Miami Heat next season, and one interesting team may have some interest in acquiring the veteran forward.

The Golden State Warriors would have some interest in Butler if the Heat were to make him available, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. The expectation is that the Warriors will be aggressive this offseason, and may even be willing to shake up the team’s core. There is frustration that the Warriors gave their current group the chance to make something happen, but the team failed to make the playoffs.

Whether Butler would fit with the Warriors is a different question. He could legitimately be available with the Heat dropping hints that they are concerned about Butler’s durability. However, any interested team would likely need to put together a quality trade package for him, and a max contract would also be expected. That could be a challenge for the Warriors, even if they let Klay Thompson walk in free agency.

The Warriors are in a difficult spot. Steph Curry and Draymond Green are only getting older, while Thompson was ineffective for large parts of last season. Adding another veteran in Butler might not help that situation, but the Warriors are clearly at least open to big changes.

Butler appeared in 60 games for the Heat last season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.