Warriors, Heat reopen discussions on Jimmy Butler

Are the Warriors starting to heed the advice of Shaquille O'Neal and others who've implored them to trade for Jimmy Butler?

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Heat are actively engaged with the Suns and the Warriors on a Butler trade and expect to move the All-Star ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. 

"The Heat are operating in the landscape as a team that's motivated with interested suitors," Charania said on Tuesday. "And as far as a price tag on Jimmy Butler goes, it's been described to me in league circles that the Heat are looking for shorter-term contracts along with draft assets."

The Warriors possess the short-term contracts and draft assets to meet the Heat's asking price and remain below the hard cap. They could realistically package the contracts of Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney, along with their 2025 and 2028 first-round picks. ESPN's Kevin Pelton proposed this fake trade recently and explained why the scenario works perfectly for both teams. 

As per the scenario, the Heat would be getting back two first-round picks while taking back only short-term salary. The Warriors would be getting Stephen Curry a co-star while still holding onto their prized young assets such as Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.

Butler had reportedly named the Warriors among his four preferred destinations when he first requested a trade in December. However, the Warriors were initially not keen on acquiring Butler, per The Athletic's Sam Amick. Speaking on FanDuel TV, Amick reported earlier this month that the Warriors "don't have interest" in giving Butler the maximum-level contract he seeks from his next team. 

Perhaps the Warriors realize Butler may be their best bet to return to relevancy. Golden State is trying to avoid missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Curry turns 37 in March.