Jimmy Butler trade alert: Warriors eye blockbuster deal shipping Butler for Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson
Warriors plan blockbuster trade to land Irving and Thompson
Jimmy Butler could be on the move after the Golden State Warriors explored a blockbuster trade that would ship him out for Dallas Mavericks stars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The proposed deal would pair Butler’s expiring $56.8 million salary with draft assets to land Irving and Thompson, both of whom have Hall of Fame-caliber resumes.
What happened?
Heavy.com’s Sai Mohan floated the idea that the Warriors could use Butler’s expiring deal plus draft capital to land Irving and Thompson. The move would pair James, Curry, Draymond Green, Irving, and Thompson in a potential starting five if LeBron James joins Golden State. The Warriors are chasing a fifth ring for Curry, and adding James would give them a historic veteran core.
Why it matters for Jimmy Butler
Butler’s future remains uncertain after the trade talk surfaced. The Warriors would absorb Irving and Thompson’s combined $168 million in salaries, but would have to part with Butler and draft picks. Butler, 35, is in the final year of his contract, making him an expiring asset in any trade.
What comes next?
The Warriors’ pursuit hinges on LeBron James’ free-agency decision. James has narrowed his list to five teams, with Golden State and Cleveland viewed as frontrunners. If James picks the Warriors, the team would immediately look to fortify the roster around Curry and Green. Butler’s role in this scenario remains unclear, but the trade chatter signals Golden State’s aggressive push for a championship window.