The Golden State Warriors were able to trade for Jimmy Butler last season. Butler had worn out his welcome in Miami, essentially forcing his way out. Butler wanted a max contract extension from the Heat, and they were not willing to do that.
Golden State traded Andrew Wiggins to Miami and Dennis Schroder to the Jazz to make it all work. Butler was a great player in Miami, leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances. The Warriors were hoping his propensity for being great in the playoffs could lead them to another title.
Meanwhile, his Miami teammates were sad to see him go. Former teammate Jamie Jaquez Jr. recently recalled how he tried to keep Butler happy with the Heat.
Jamie Jaquez Jr. Tried to Keep Jimmy Butler From Leaving Miami
While appearing on the Zach Lowe Show, Jaquez said he was the only teammate to try to call Butler after he had his infamous press conference, where he said he was losing the joy in basketball.
“I think I did call him after one of those press conferences. I was like ‘Hey man, whatever problems you got, we’re here. Whatever problems you’ve got with your teammates, we’re here. We want you to feel like we got your back’ type of thing.”
Obviously, Jaquez’s attempt to keep Butler happy in Miami did not work. He still decided that he didn’t want to be in Miami, and the trade was made. The Warriors were not able to capitalize on his availability last season as Stephen Curry got hurt in the playoffs.
This season, Butler tore his ACL midway through the year. That injury derailed any shot that they had of competing for a championship. Curry continues to struggle with a knee injury, although he is trying to return on Sunday. This trade hasn’t worked out for Golden State.
The Warriors Have One More Year to Make This Trade Work
Next season will likely be the last year that they can realistically have a shot at a championship. With Curry already 38 years old, he is starting to slow down. Golden State will likely be very active in the offseason to try to make a big trade to keep its title window open.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been mentioned as the biggest trade target. He is destined to break from Milwaukee this summer, even though that’s not necessarily his first choice. The Warriors have the requisite number of draft picks to make a major move like that.
There have been rumblings that LeBron James might be interested in signing for one season, as well. Pairing him with Curry and James would be a major gamble that all three would be able to stay healthy. That doesn’t seem like a safe bet.
In the last 15 games without Curry or Butler in the lineup, Golden State has the sixth-worst offense in the league. No matter what they do in the offseason, this team is still built around Curry and his dynamite shooting. Butler is there to support him.
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