NBA Insider Reveals Why Warriors are 'Not Sold' on Jimmy Butler Trade

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NBA Insider Reveals Why Warriors are 'Not Sold' on Jimmy Butler Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 1:38 PM ET

Arguably the biggest buzz in the NBA right now is that the Miami Heat are willing to trade Jimmy Butler.

Butler was coming off a tough campaign last year, wherein he lost his father and suffered an MCL injury, and vowed to bounce back this season. The Heat, however, are rumoredly ready to part ways with the veteran forward, who could land on a contending squad.

According to reports, Butler has narrowed down his choices to four teams: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

While he would be a welcome addition to any of those squads, the Warriors aren't too keen on trading for the 35-year-old Butler, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.

“Right off the bat, Andrew Wiggins would need to be included in any structure of a Butler deal, which is something the Warriors are not sold on, sources said," according to Siegel, as quoted by NBA Central on X.

"Wiggins has been a huge part of the team's core since arriving during the 2019-20 season, and the former first overall pick is having arguably his best season since Golden State won their last title in 2022.”

The Golden State Warriors are hesitant to include Andrew Wiggins in a trade package for Jimmy Butler, per @BrettSiegelNBA

“Right off the bat, Andrew Wiggins would need to be included in any structure of a Butler deal, which is something the Warriors are not sold on, sources… pic.twitter.com/MBsejGTyha
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024

The 29-year-old Wiggins also had a challenging stint last season due to personal issues, taking a leave of absence at one stretch.

But he has regained his confidence, averaging 17.1 points, a career-high 42.7% from three-point distance and 4.4 rebounds per game this season.

Butler, meanwhile, is putting up 18.6 points, a career-high 55.0% from the field, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per outing.

For what it's worth, if the Warriors refuse to let go of Wiggins, they still have possible trade chips in Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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