Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Warriors Not Seen as 'Viable' Landing Spot amid Heat Rift

As the Miami Heat start seriously exploring trade options involving Jimmy Butler, his list of potential landing spots is unlikely to include the Golden State Warriors.

Per The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II and Sam Amick, the Warriors aren't considered a "viable" destination for Butler primarily due to the money he is still owed for the remainder of this season.

Draymond Green or Andrew Wiggins plus other role players would have to be included in a deal with the Heat to make the money match, per The Athletic.

The Heat and Butler are embroiled in what seems like is sure to be a bitter divorce. The club announced on Friday they were suspending the veteran forward for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team and will start listening to trade offers.

Following the Heat's announcement, the NBPA issued a statement calling the suspension "excessive and inappropriate" while announcing it would file a grievance on Butler's behalf.

After a previous report from ESPN's Shams Charania indicated that Butler preferred a trade to one of four teams that included the Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, his recent spat with the club has apparently opened him up to anywhere but Miami.

Charania and Brian Windhorst reported on Friday that Butler has indicated to the Heat he wants to be traded, but won't "furnish" the club with a list of favored destinations because he believes he can make any team a contender.

The Suns might be checked off the list because ESPN's Bobby Marks reported Miami has no interest in taking back Bradley Beal's contract even if he were to waive his no-trade clause. The only other players they could include to facilitate a trade are Kevin Durant or Devin Booker, but it makes no sense for the Suns to move either of them.

Golden State certainly seems like it will try to do something big leading up to the trade deadline. It was previously reported the team is looking for a star player to pair with Stephen Curry after missing out on Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the offseason.

Butler's age (35) and desire for a new contract make it difficult to assess his trade value. The Warriors need more help to take advantage of Curry's remaining peak years.

After winning 12 of their first 15 games to start the season, the Warriors they are 5-13 since Nov. 23 and have fallen to ninth in the Western Conference.