Grade the trade idea: Jimmy Butler teams up with Steph Curry as Heat reset
By John Truske
It’s that time of the offseason where we’re seeing Ben Simmons workout videos on the timeline. With the lack of NBA news circulating, it’s only natural that hypothetical trades become a topic of discussion.
Recently, there's been an uptick in Jimmy Butler trade rumors due to his contract situation, and Bleacher Report proposed a few scenarios for the Heat star.
If Butler leaving after this season is a real possibility, then the Miami Heat could explore trade options, and the Golden State Warriors would make a lot of sense as a potential suitor.
Bleacher Report outlined the following trade: Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson for Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick swap.
Does this make sense for both teams involved? Let’s talk about it.
Why Warriors do it
The Warriors are still a great team when both Steph Curry and Draymond Green are playing. Last season, they posted a net rating of +6.2 with both on the court, per Cleaning the Glass.
Acquiring a player of Butler’s caliber could be the push to win one last ring with this legendary duo, and there’s a strong case to be made for the positive impact it would have on the court.
Butler does most of his damage in the paint, so his fit with Curry should be seamless. Looking at last year, the Warriors struggled in a few areas where Butler could really help them.
The Warriors’ motion offense is a thing of beauty, and no team moves without the ball as well as they do.
Unsurprisingly, Golden State led the NBA in cuts per game at 11.9, but they ranked in the 38th percentile in converting these looks into points. A master at finding open space without the ball in his hands, Butler should help in this regard.
A lack of rim pressure was another struggle for the Warriors last season, as they were second-to-last in the league in drives per game. Butler averaged 14 drives per game, and his ability to get into the paint would help create easier looks for Golden State’s shooters (all numbers via NBA Stats).
The Warriors are giving up a lot in this deal, so replenishing some depth would be needed to contend if this trade were to happen. Nonetheless, Butler’s elite two-way abilities could be the missing piece to this Warriors dynasty getting its 5th ring.