NBA Rumors: Warriors Debated Offering Jimmy Butler a Contract 'Below the Max'
The Golden State Warriors front office deliberated multiple approaches to Jimmy Butler's contract situation before signing him to a two-year extension, according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater.
Slater reported Monday that team officials "debated whether they should either hold off on an extension offer or negotiate it below the max."
As the most influential voice, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. "vouched for Butler, the player and person, and convinced ownership the financial pledge would prove worth it—a motivated Butler would view it as a signal of belief."
Butler got $111 million for the next two seasons, which is the deal he originally sought from the Miami Heat before their relationship broke down.
The six-time All-Star might've left some money on the table by signing a new contract now instead of waiting until the offseason. If he had declined his player option with the Heat and signed with another team, he could've collected as much as $171 million over three years.
Golden State's decision still presents some risk. Butler turned 35 in September and his 2024-25 performance reinforces the notion his game is declining. Through 19 games with the Warriors, he's averaging 17.6 points on 43.8 percent shooting, including just 22.7 percent on three-pointers.
Acquiring Butler was basically Dunleavy's last roll of the dice in terms of chasing another championship with Stephen Curry, and he may not be the piece who puts Golden State over the top. If that's the case, then the franchise is pretty much stuck.
But the Warriors have also watched the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers all come to regret losing Butler. His standoffs with Miami and Minnesota showed how quickly he can make a situation untenable when he grows dissatisfied.
It's fair to say Butler was Dunleavy's second choice at best considering Golden State made an unsuccessful run at Kevin Durant.
That's all water under the bridge now because the Warriors GM wrote a check that should keep Butler happy during his time in the Bay Area.
