- The Miami Heat have traded disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. The trade ends a month-long saga for the team and Butler.
- Butler was suspended three times over the last month by the Heat for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
- The Heat get Andrew Wiggins, PJ Tucker and a first-round pick in return for Butler.
On the eve of the NBA’s trade deadline, the longest-running saga in the league has come to an end. The Miami Heat have traded disgruntled forward Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors.
It’s the third blockbuster NBA trade in four days. The six-time All-Star will be sent to the Bay Area in exchange for guards Andrew Wiggins and PJ Tucker from the Utah Jazz, as well as a first-round pick. Four teams are included in the deal, and five other players are reported to be moving to new teams.
Last week, the Heat suspended Butler for a third time in the past month for what was described as “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler first requested a trade Jan. 2 after his playing time steadily decreased.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be –– we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said after a loss to the Indiana Pacers. “I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant. I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
It took over a month, but the Heat were desperate to move Butler. The Warriors also desperately needed another star to pair with Steph Curry. Multiple outlets report that Golden State has signed Butler to a two-year, $121 million extension that runs through the 2026-2027 season.
There were earlier reports that the Phoenix Suns were the top team to land Butler and that the Warriors were eyeing a reunion with the Suns’ Kevin Durant. The trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. EST.
