With Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat are at a crossroads. Butler has helped them accomplish a lot, but at 35, a significant contract extension is due. In the event that they determine that making a move is in their best interests, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested a trade that would provide them choices.

Buckley described the next deal that would provide the Heat a package of players in exchange for Butler with the Golden State Warriors.

Receivers of heat: Kevon Looney, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, first-round picks in 2026 and 2028

Fighters are given: Butler

Buckley clarified the rationale for the Heat’s acceptance of Butler’s deal.

“The Heat would presumably look for a new co-star for Bam Adebayo or the opportunity to acquire one if they didn’t want to pay Butler. Though Heat coach Erik Spoelstra might be able to assist Wiggins in getting back on track, this package falls under the latter category. Additionally, Looney would give Miami’s frontcourt greater strength and size, something it has long needed.

The packet they would receive, according to Buckley, would provide them with alternatives on what to do next.

After that, the Heat would have to decide if they wanted to trade for Riley’s next whale hunt or keep Podziemski and Moody and develop them further. In any case, they would have flexibility, which, should they decide to commit to a big Butler extension instead, may be difficult to come by.

The Heat would have agreed to this if they thought they had gotten the best performance possible from Butler. They wouldn’t be able to find a better deal, so they would also accept it.

Jimmy Butler Could Be of Interest to the Warriors: Report

It might be in the cards to trade Butler to the Warriors. Anthony Slater of The Athletic stated that Golden State would start talks for Butler should he become available.

On May 30, Slater said, “I would anticipate the Warriors entering the conversation to some degree if the Heat shop Jimmy Butler.”

The Warriors must choose which of their elderly players to keep, just like the Heat. Klay Thompson, who is not much younger than Butler, will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. Stephen Curry is currently 36 years old and will turn 37 prior to the 2025 postseason.

Butler’s acquisition would indicate that the Warriors are doing their hardest to win a championship while they still have Curry, at the very least. But if Butler stays put, then all of their interest might be in vain.

Jimmy Butler Desires to Remain With Heat: Source

Butler would want to remain with the Heat, according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, who made this revelation on May 29. Despite his preference to stay in Miami,

Butler wants to play for the Heat for the remainder of his NBA career, and he and his agent Bernie Lee have stated this both publicly and privately. However, deciding not to give Butler a max extension this offseason might throw those plans into a loop, particularly because it appears that other teams are likely to grant his request, Chiang wrote.

He then outlined the future contract Butler is seeking.

“In other words, should he exercise his 2025–26 player option, Butler will ask the Heat to replace the two years and $101.2 million left on his contract with a three-year commitment worth $161.7 million.”

Trading with the Warriors becomes a factor if the Heat determine it isn’t worth it.