JUST IN: Warriors set to land prominent six foot guard in free agency
Despite numerous attempts, the Golden State Warriors were unable to complete a blockbuster deal for an All-Star this summer.
Instead, the Golden State Warriors lost four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks during NBA free agency. They replaced him with some rotational components. However, the Stephen Curry-led team is far from title contender status, having missed the playoffs three of the previous five seasons.
With the Warriors’ legendary run over, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is focused on the future as much as the present.
That hasn’t stopped him from considering acquiring an experienced star to join Curry and Draymond Green.
We may now include Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler in the mix. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Golden State is interested in acquiring Butler before his free agency next summer or during the offseason.
“You need the wheels to fall off somewhere,” reports the Golden State Warriors’ interest in Jimmy Butler. “Not free agency-wise, but trade-wise. A couple of players spring to mind: Jimmy Butler will be a free agent next summer. I did not get an extension done. The Warriors, as you know, are interested, and I believe they made a few calls over the summer. “That name comes to mind.”
Can the Golden State Warriors realistically acquire Jimmy Butler?
Golden State was linked to Jimmy Butler when he appeared to be on the trade block earlier this summer. The six-time All-Star had reportedly been at odds with the Miami Heat organization. Entering the final year of his contract, Butler is expected to explore free agency next offseason.
For Golden State to acquire Butler, it would likely require a sign-and-trade deal, as they don’t have the cap space to sign him outright. This situation mirrors their attempt earlier in the offseason to land Paul George in a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Butler, 34, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the Heat last season, but injuries limited him to 58 games. He hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season since 2018-19.