The wait is over! The NBA’s most talked-about trade saga has finally concluded. Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat superstar, is headed to the Golden State Warriors in a massive five-team trade just ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
This deal comes after weeks of drama. Butler had made it clear he wanted out of Miami. The Heat had resisted, but things eventually escalated. The star forward’s final days in Miami were filled with tension, including suspensions and walkouts. But now, the trade is official.
The trade breakdown
In exchange for Butler, the Heat are receiving forward Andrew Wiggins and a protected first-round pick from the Warriors. But that’s not all. Golden State also sends guard Dennis Schroder to Miami. The Heat quickly trade Schroder to the Utah Jazz in return for forward PJ Tucker.
The Warriors also deal guard Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons. Detroit will also receive guard Josh Richardson from Miami as part of the deal. Meanwhile, there’s a twist. A deal to send guard Kyle Anderson from the Warriors to the Toronto Raptors is now off. The Heat are keeping Anderson for now, though they might move him later.
Butler gets extension with Warriors
One key factor delaying the trade was Butler’s contract situation. But now, it’s clear. Butler has signed a two-year, $121 million extension with Golden State, keeping him with the team through the 2026-27 season. Butler also declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, locking him into this new chapter.
Butler’s Miami stalemate
Things weren’t looking good between Butler and the Heat in recent weeks. The 35-year-old forward made repeated requests to be traded, but Miami refused to cooperate at first. Tensions rose as the Heat suspended Butler after he expressed frustration with his situation in Miami.
Butler’s comments in early January, when he admitted to losing joy in playing basketball with the Heat, only added fuel to the fire. The Heat eventually suspended him for seven games, then for two more after he missed a team flight. But it didn’t end there. Butler was suspended indefinitely after he walked out of practice when he was told he wouldn’t be starting anymore.
A new beginning in Golden State
Now, with the trade finalized, Butler heads to the Warriors, where he will team up with Stephen Curry for a shot at one more NBA title. For the Heat, the deal brings a strong package of players, including Wiggins and Tucker, and a valuable draft pick. It’s a win-win for both sides.
Trade deadline drama
This trade caps off a series of blockbuster moves in the NBA. Just a day earlier, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis and other players to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. The Mavericks’ fanbase was outraged, staging protests over losing their star, who was the face of the franchise.
On Sunday evening, the San Antonio Spurs made another big move, acquiring guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal.
The NBA Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching. Teams have until 3:00pm ET on Thursday afternoon to make moves. The trade frenzy is far from over, and the NBA world is buzzing with excitement.
