Report: Warriors have interest in Butler ahead of 2025 free agency Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
The Warriors continue to keep an eye on the top of the NBA trade market.
After missing out on acquiring Paul George and Lauri Markkanen on offseason tradesGolden State still Could look to add another star player to pair with Steph Curry at some point during the 2024-25 NBA season.
While nothing seems imminent, the Warriors have already expressed interest in acquiring Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported in a statement. recent episode of “The TK Show” with Tim Kawakami.
“You need things to fall apart at some point,” Amick told Kawakami about which star player the Warriors might pursue. “Not in terms of free agency, but trade. A couple of players that come to mind: Jimmy Butler is going to be a free agent next summer. He didn’t get an extension. The Warriors, as you know, are interested in him and I think they probably made a couple of calls over the summer. That name comes to mind.”
Butler, 34, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game in 60 games with the Heat last season.
Butler is under contract with Miami for $48.79 million next season and can test free agency this summer by declining his $52 million option for the 2025-26 season.
The Warriors, barring a roster shakeup, likely won’t be able to sign Butler in free agency next summer due to salary cap complications, but they could deal with the six-time All-Star at some point during the season or, similarly to George, via a sign-and-trade deal with Miami next offseason.
If Miami’s season goes poorly, could the Warriors try to sign Jimmy Buckets?