Some members of the group believe that LaVine is the safer alternative. At 29, he is five and a half years younger and almost $6 million less than Butler this season. However, his contract is lengthier, and he has recently experienced health issues. “There are risks all over the place,” The Athletic wrote.
LaVine has $109 million left on his five-year, $215 million contract, which includes two guaranteed seasons after this year and a player option for the final year. Meanwhile, Butler, 35, is looking for a two-year, $110 million deal.
Heat lowers the asking price for Butler.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Heat have lowered their asking price for Butler and are eager to move on from the current situation. Butler was suspended for the third time in the last month after requesting a trade.
Butler’s popularity has grown as prices have dropped. On Tuesday, January 28, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote that “the Warriors are among the several teams back in the mix.”
Despite the revived rumors, The Athletic reported that the Warriors “have downplayed their recent involvement in conversations with the Heat.” Nonetheless, the cheaper price point has created “a noticeable increase in intrigue from the front office.”
Selecting Between Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine
LaVine and Butler are the two choices the Warriors are considering.
According to The Athletic, “there is some understanding and alignment from all levels of the Warriors organization that they lack a true second scorer next to [Stephen] Curry,” which is the main conclusion drawn from their internal discussions.
It is believed that LaVine’s “explosive three-level scoring ability” could fill that need. He is shooting 51% from the field and 44.6% from beyond the arc, and he is scoring 24 points a game on average this season after making a full recovery from a serious foot injury.
The Warriors are also less worried about chemistry problems because they believe LaVine is a “better fit” for their team culture.
On the other hand, concerns have been raised by Butler’s erratic behavior, which has been evident during his Miami trade request.
> “Adding Butler increases the combustion possibilities,” The Athletic stated, noting that the Warriors already had a mercurial player in Draymond Green, albeit he typically gets along with such kinds (see Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins).
But LaVine lacks the defensive abilities that Butler provides.
> According to The Athletic, “Butler plays defense, which would be needed if [Andrew] Wiggins is shipped off in a deal.”
With the exception of untouchables like Green and Curry, Wiggins’ $26.2 million salary is the Warriors’ most attractive trade target for either Butler or LaVine.
NBA Insider: The trade of Jimmy Butler may “have an impact on this season’s outcome.”
Butler’s postseason record distinguishes him from LaVine, who hasn’t yet proven himself in the playoffs, notwithstanding reservations about his disposition.
Windhorst thinks the NBA environment might change significantly if a team were to get Butler at a discount.
> Windhorst stated on SportsCenter, “I think we might see a team swoop in here and get Jimmy Butler at a cheap price—a guy who can be the best player in a playoff series at a bargain price.” And that, in my opinion, is the stage at which we are.
> “So, if a team does that, and I won’t tell you which teams are attempting to do so because I simply can’t get into those situations, this trade could have an impact on how this season turns out.”
The Warriors need to make some important decisions in the final week before the trade deadline on February 6.