Jimmy Butler to the Warriors? This is news that many teams around the league would dread. Recently, numerous rumors have been circulating about the future of the Miami Heat’s star forward. It seems that ‘The Godfather,’ Pat Riley, plans to implement a major change.
One team that has emerged as front runners to land Jimmy Buckets is the Golden State Warriors. According to reports, the six-time All-Star has a list of preferences, with the Bay Area being one of them, who have been wanting to pair a star player alongside Stephen Curry for a long time now.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly among the preferred destinations for Jimmy Butler. But should they pursue him and what would they have to give up?
Here’s what the Warriors should consider regarding a prospective trade for Butler: https://t.co/DArXCed6yD
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) December 13, 2024
However, pairing Butler alongside Draymond Green would make the Warriors one of the most feared teams. The two defensive savants are known for their bold demeanor and competitive zeal that has landed them on the wrong side of things as well. Nonetheless, the two have a lot to offer.
Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the Warriors Could be Scary
No doubt, Butler would give Curry a lot of aid, especially on the offensive end. On the other hand, the Heat forward’s combination with Draymond would make the Dubs a somewhat version of the Bad Boys Pistons (albeit not quite on that level). At the same time, Steve Kerr would need to maintain a balance in the locker room.
Known to wear their hearts on their sleeves, both Butler and Green bring the old-school-like physical mentality. The two multiple-time All-Stars are blessed with high basketball IQs, evident from their playmaking skills. They also serve as locker-room leaders for their respective sides.
Currently, averaging 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7assists, and 1.2 steals on 55.0% shooting from the field, Butler has a decent mid-range and can score the ball in a variety of ways too. Nicknamed ‘Playoff Jimmy’, he ranks third behind Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in the Miami franchise’s history of most points scored in the playoffs.
Can Jimmy Butler Turn the Tide for the Warriors?
While the Warriors have surprised many with their performance this season (at least to begin the season), a trip to the Finals looks far from achieving. Owner Joe Lacob and management need to provide Curry with some assistance. Hence, onboarding Butler will serve as the perfect recipe.
The 35-year-old forward would be a solid plus on both ends of the floor. Currently ranked fourth in defensive rating, having Jimmy Buckets alongside Draymond and Gary Payton II would further strengthen their lockdown defending abilities.
A big-time scorer, especially during the postseason, Butler helps ease the load on Curry. We continue to witness the opposition deploy multiple double-teams on the four-time champion even though it means leaving one player open.
A Look at Playoff Jimmy’s Stat Line
During his four postseasons in Miami so far, the 2014-15 Most Improved Player has averaged 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.9 steals, which includes two NBA Finals appearances as well. Butler has recorded eight games with at least 40 points in his 64 playoff games for the Heat.
Having a 37-27 playoff record with his current team, the Texas native has always stepped up when the need arose. Nonetheless, his missing time due to injuries has been a cause of concern, especially for GM Riley, who had even expressed his dismay when Butler who was out with an MCL sprain in the 2024 playoffs took shots at the Boston Celtics.
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