Just one week after reiterating his trade request to Pat Riley, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler remains on the team. However, the trade deadline is just a couple of weeks away. Because of this, Butler is a name worth monitoring in the rumor mill. So far, multiple teams have been linked to Butler. These teams include the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks. As it stands, though, no trade is imminent. Naturally, many have speculated where the Marquette alum will or should end up. This includes a basketball legend Heat fans are very familiar with.
On a recent episode of his podcast (YouTube link), Shaquille O’Neal said he wants Butler to end up in Golden State. O’Neal mentions that Butler’s playstyle would work best in the Warriors’ system.
‘I would like to see him go to Golden State. I like him at Golden State, because when he was at Miami, he used to drive me crazy—he’d get all the way to the lane and kick it out for a three. I’m like, ‘Bro, lay the g*ddamn ball up!’ That would work in Golden State because of the system they play.”
Shaquille O’Neal Names Ideal Jimmy Butler Trade Destination
Golden State Warriors Are Unlikely to Trade for Jimmy Butler
Despite the Warriors reportedly having interest in Butler, a trade does not seem likely. In a recent article for The Athletic (subscription required), reports indicated that Golden State is “not currently seen as a viable option” for Butler.
“Yet according to a source close to Butler, the Warriors are not currently seen as a viable option and there have been no substantive talks or traction to get any type of deal done. Butler’s history and reputation is as a premium two-way perimeter player — which the Warriors could use. Some credence exists to the idea that his midrange repertoire and defensive prowess could elevate the Warriors into that next tier of playoff threat. But Butler’s age and injury history makes him a risky choice. His price tag makes him an untenable option.”
Furthermore, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, two Western Conference execs do not expect the Warriors to make a major trade of any kind this season.
“ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Christmas that Butler had Golden State on his list of preferred destinations. But the two Western Conference executives expect the Warriors to hold off until the offseason if they take a big swing, which means holding on to much of their assets in case a superstar becomes available.”
The Last Word
Given that Butler will likely hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason, it could make sense for the Warriors to simply wait until the summer to pursue him if they have interest. However, choosing to stand pat may also not be in their best interest.
The Warriors started the season red-hot. However, they are now just 21-21 and own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they have a negative net rating and rank as a bottom-third offensive team in the league. There is still a lot of basketball remaining. However, the Warriors are playing far from perfect and are in danger of missing the playoffs once again. Regardless, with Stephen Curry still leading the way, it is difficult to fully count the Warriors out. But if they want to make a playoff run, it is crucial that they turn things around fast.
The post Shaquille O’Neal Names Ideal Jimmy Butler Trade Destination appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.