With Stephen Curry entering the final years of his career, the Golden State Warriors are focused on adding another NBA title to their legacy. After a championship win in 2022, they missed the playoffs last season, highlighting the need for a roster upgrade. This has led the team to consider moving Jonathan Kuminga, potentially in favor of acquiring a seasoned talent from the Miami Heat.
Kuminga’s recent removal from the starting lineup in consecutive games against the New Orleans Pelicans has only fueled speculation of a possible trade. According to The Athletic, “Rival executives believe the Warriors are more willing than ever to include Kuminga in a trade of significant magnitude.”
One target the Warriors reportedly have in mind is Jimmy Butler. Now in his sixth season with Miami, Butler has cemented his place as a franchise cornerstone, yet rumors of a departure have persisted amidst stalled contract extension talks.
During the offseason, Butler addressed his contract status, saying, “I’m good. An extension is just a couple of dollars. I think I’ve made enough. I just want to play basketball.” However, with a contending team like Golden State interested, his stance may soften.
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after drawing a foul against Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 09, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Weighing the pros and cons for the Warriors
Should a deal for Butler progress, the Warriors would be signaling their intention to prioritize immediate success over long-term development. Butler’s experience and leadership could elevate Golden State’s playoff potential, particularly with his track record in high-stakes games, including NBA Finals appearances. However, at 35, Butler represents a short-term commitment, with his peak years likely limited.
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Kuminga, by contrast, remains a promising young talent with room to grow. While he doesn’t yet provide the impact that Butler might in critical moments, his presence would support a long-term strategy focused on sustained development.
Butler vs. Kuminga
In the first four games of the 2024-25 season, Butler has averaged 33.5 minutes, posting 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game—solid, but not stellar, numbers for a player of his caliber. Meanwhile, Kuminga has averaged 22.9 minutes over five games, contributing 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
While both players bring unique qualities, the decision for Golden State will likely hinge on their appetite for a high-stakes run at the title or a longer-term investment in Kuminga’s development.
