Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Warriors Feel They're Still In Mix Despite Contract Buzz

The Golden State Warriors aren't giving up on landing disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Per The Athletic's Anthony Slater, the Warriors believe they are still "firmly in the mix for Butler or another of the league's star dominos that could topple as part of the Butler transaction or once it is resolved," despite a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst saying that Butler had "communicated to the Warriors that he's unwilling to sign an extension there."

Butler's unwillingness to sign an extension with the Warriors, in theory, ended trade talks, though Windhorst noted that conversations had only halted "for now." According to Slater, the Warriors viewed the "for now" part of that report as an indication that there's still a chance they could land Butler.

Golden State has until Thursday afternoon to sway Butler into wanting to sign past the 2024-25 season. The Warriors will also have to make Miami an enticing offer as teams like the Phoenix Suns compete for Butler.

Slater noted that Phoenix is Butler's preferred destination and has been for a long time. That is partially "because of an awaiting extension offer that is longer and more lucrative than one the Warriors would be willing to make."

While the Suns might be willing to give Butler an extension that is more to his liking, there is one key element that could be a roadblock in making a trade. Bradley Beal, who will likely be the key piece in any offer from Phoenix, has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he can veto the Suns' deal if they want to send him somewhere he isn't in favor of.

If trade talks for Butler come down to the final moments before the deadline, that could play to the Warriors' advantage.

Golden State is currently sitting outside of the playoff race at 24-24. If the season ended today, the Warriors wouldn't even get a trip to the play-in tournament. Adding another scoring option like Butler alongside Stephen Curry might not make them a championship contender, but it could certainly help them avoid back-to-back seasons with a postseason absence.