Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors Trade Claim After Kevin Durant Snub

The Kevin Durant to Golden State Warriors trade rumors seem to have run their course as it has emerged that the two-time NBA Champion is not interested in a return to the Bay Area.

That leaves the Warriors in a tough spot and could that mean pivoting to someone like Jimmy Butler, who is seeking to leave the Miami Heat before the trade deadline?

The Warriors are believed to be looking to shake things up in the team and bring in a high-profile player to pair with Stephen Curry in the quest to win a fifth ring.

As reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic recently: "The Warriors believe they are still firmly in the mix for Butler or another of the league’s star dominos that could topple as part of the Butler transaction or once it is resolved, team sources said."

Butler has been pushing for an exit for quite some time now. At first, the Heat did not seem to be in a rush but after handing him three suspensions in recent months, it is quite clear that things need to change and parting ways is the best solution. 

They are believed to be trying to offload the star forward before the February 6 trade deadline.

Following the Durant snub, the Warriors are quickly running out of options and Butler might be the only superstar-level player still available.

It looks like Butler as well as Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls are discussion points for the Warriors, who are shifting their focus to other trade opportunities.