The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to trade Andrew Wiggins for Jimmy Butler, according to Matt Moore of Action Network.
“Toronto is seen as a likely trade partner for a Jimmy Butler deal, particularly with the Warriors considering an aggressive move now that Butler’s asking price has dropped.
“One trade framework described by two sources as Golden State’s hope involves sending Wiggins out—either directly to Toronto or rerouted through Miami for [Bruce] Brown. If Wiggins doesn’t seem like the ‘significant piece’ [Marc] Stein referenced, that’s because he isn’t. However, his contract serves as a key component that can be packaged with additional assets,” Moore detailed in his Substack newsletter on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Under this potential trade scenario, Wiggins would return to his home country of Canada, while Brown—who helped Denver win a championship two seasons ago—would bolster Miami’s playoff push. The Warriors would acquire Butler but would need to send an additional $22.5 million in salaries, distributed between the Raptors and Heat, to comply with the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Warriors, Suns Engaged in Trade Talks With Heat
The Warriors have re-entered discussions for Butler, as reported by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, following ESPN’s Brian Windhorst’s claim that the Heat have lowered their trade demands.
Shams Charania of ESPN noted on NBA Today (Tuesday, Jan. 28) that Miami is actively negotiating with the Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and other teams.
Butler reportedly prefers Phoenix as his destination due to Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s willingness to offer him a lucrative new contract, according to NBA insider Marc Stein in his Jan. 5 Substack report.
Jimmy Butler Could Land With an Unexpected Team
However, a trade to Phoenix faces obstacles, primarily because Bradley Beal—whose salary best matches Butler’s—refuses to waive his no-trade clause.
“I’m not saying this is definitely happening, but teams that thought they were out of the race are now re-engaging because it appears the Suns and Heat may not reach a deal,” Windhorst said.
The veteran ESPN reporter suggested Butler could land with an unexpected team.
“I believe we might see a team swoop in and acquire Butler at a bargain price—a player who can be the best performer in a playoff series at a reduced cost,” Windhorst continued. “That’s the stage we’re at now.
“And if a team manages to pull that off, I won’t disclose the specific teams involved, but this trade could significantly impact the outcome of this season.”
Could the Warriors be that surprise team?
What the Heat Want for Jimmy Butler
A Miami Herald report on Monday stated that the Heat are “determined not to take back sizable contracts extending beyond next season” unless they receive “compensation in the form of a draft pick or two.”
Additionally, Miami is prioritizing players who can help them secure a playoff spot this season. This urgency stems from previous trades in which they sent lottery-protected picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets.
If the Heat fail to make the playoffs, their lottery-protected 2025 first-round pick owed to Oklahoma City will convert into an unprotected 2026 pick. Due to the Stepien Rule, their 2027 lottery-protected pick owed to Charlotte would then turn into an unprotected 2028 first-round pick.