The Golden State Warriors are off to a blazing 4-1 start this season, but whispers around the league hint they may still be looking to add a third star to strengthen their championship hopes. After missing out on offseason pursuits of Lauri Markkanen and Paul George, the Warriors are reportedly eyeing Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. This intriguing potential move would likely involve Jonathan Kuminga, whom the Warriors appear increasingly open to trading if it means landing a transformative player like Butler.
“The end certainly justified the means — two Warriors wins during a 4-1 start,” Amick noted, “but it also served as a reminder that Kuminga would probably be better off elsewhere.” While Kuminga has shown flashes of potential, there’s a sense that Golden State may seek a more established star who can contribute immediately.
At 35, Butler would bring playoff experience and the toughness that has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success. Known for his clutch performances, Butler has averaged 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during his playoff runs with Miami, where he led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in recent years. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the value of adding a franchise-altering player if the situation calls for it, commenting in October, “It makes sense to [go all-in] when you’re on the cusp of a championship.”
Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, though, don’t seem too concerned about the need for a big move just yet. “As long as we’re on the floor, we got a chance,” Green told ESPN, emphasizing that the Warriors’ core confidence is already strong. For Green, the playoffs are where experience pays off, saying, “Once you get in them playoffs, you watch [opposing] guys fold every day.”
Butler’s four-year, $146 million contract would present challenges in fitting him under the Warriors’ cap, but Golden State’s front office is known for its creative trade maneuvers. If the Warriors believe Butler is the piece that could bring them a fifth championship, expect them to pull out all the stops to make it happen.
