Jimmy Butler Demands $25 Million for Jersey Number
Jimmy Butler wants $25 million for his No. 10 jersey. The Golden State Warriors rookie LaJae Jones asked Butler for the number.
Butler was asked by Jones to give up his jersey number. Jones is trying to get the No. 10 jersey but has Butler in his way.
The talks didn't go well, as Butler asked for $25 million to make it happen. Jones would wear No. 25 if he couldn't get No. 10.
Butler will be on the shelf for most of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear. Jones will hope he can hold onto his roster spot through Summer League and training camp.
$25 million could be chump change for Jones one day, but the 22-year-old will have to put in years of work before it can happen. Butler told Jones to wear No. 0-1 or something and say it's his number backwards.
The No. 10 jersey might open up for Jones anyway after recent rumors suggesting the Warriors might look to trade Butler to the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis. The Davis pursuit is reportedly a part of a plan to form a big four on the Warriors with Davis, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and LeBron James.
James can join as a free agent, but the Warriors will need to trade Butler if they want Davis. With Butler likely not contributing for most of next season at the end of the win-now window with Curry, it seems the franchise will be left with no choice but to move on.
Butler's response to Jones was direct. "You want to buy MY number? You can't afford that, man!" Jones said he'd take out a loan, but Butler wasn't having it.
The Warriors drafted Jones with the No. 54 pick in the 2026 Draft. Jones called Butler in an attempt to see if Butler would sell the No. 10 jersey he's worn since joining the franchise in 2025.
Butler's injury will keep him out for most of the season. The Warriors will have to decide what to do with Butler's roster spot. Jones will try to make the most of his opportunity.
The trade rumors surrounding Butler and Davis will continue to swirl. The Warriors are looking to form a big four, and Butler might be the odd man out.
The $25 million price tag for the No. 10 jersey is steep. Jones will have to wait and see if he can afford it. For now, the No. 10 jersey remains with Butler.