Zach LaVine is emerging as a “safer option” than Jimmy Butler for the Golden State Warriors, according to a report from The Athletic on Wednesday, January 29. This comes amid news that the Warriors have resumed trade discussions for the Miami Heat’s disgruntled star.
> “LaVine is viewed by some within the organization as the safer option. At 29, he’s five and a half years younger and roughly $6 million cheaper than Butler this season. However, his contract extends longer, and he has had recent health concerns. There are risks all over the board,” The Athletic reported.
LaVine has $109 million remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, with two more guaranteed seasons after this year and a player option for the final year. Meanwhile, Butler, 35, is seeking a two-year, $110 million extension.
Heat Lower Asking Price for Butler
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Heat have dropped their asking price for Butler and are highly motivated to move on from the ongoing drama. This decision followed Butler’s third suspension in the past month since he requested a trade.
On Monday, January 27, Miami suspended Butler indefinitely after he walked out of a team shootaround upon learning he would be moved to the bench.
With the price drop, interest in Butler has increased. On Tuesday, January 28, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that “the Warriors are one of several teams back in the mix.”
However, despite the renewed speculation, The Athletic noted that the Warriors “have downplayed their recent involvement in conversations with the Heat.” Still, the lowered price tag has sparked “a noticeable increase in intrigue from the front office.”
Choosing Between Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler
The Warriors are weighing their options between LaVine and Butler.
The biggest takeaway from their internal discussions is that “there is some understanding and alignment from all levels of the Warriors organization that they lack a true second scorer next to [Stephen] Curry,” according to The Athletic.
LaVine’s “explosive three-level scoring ability” is viewed as a potential solution to that void. He has successfully returned from a serious foot injury and is averaging 24 points per game this season while shooting 51% from the field and 44.6% from beyond the arc.
Additionally, the Warriors see LaVine as a “better fit” for their team culture, with fewer concerns about chemistry issues.
Conversely, Butler’s volatile nature, which has been on display amid his trade request from Miami, has raised red flags.
> “The Warriors already have a mercurial player in Draymond Green—though he usually gets along with those types (see Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins)—and adding Butler raises the combustion possibilities,” The Athletic reported.
However, Butler brings defensive skills that LaVine lacks.
> “Butler plays defense, which would be needed if [Andrew] Wiggins is shipped off in a deal,” The Athletic noted.
Wiggins’ $26.2 million salary is the Warriors’ most viable trade piece for either Butler or LaVine, aside from untouchables like Green and Curry.
NBA Insider: Jimmy Butler Trade Could ‘Affect the Outcome of This Season’
Despite concerns about Butler’s personality, his postseason track record sets him apart from LaVine, who has yet to prove himself in the playoffs.
Windhorst believes that if a team acquires Butler at a bargain price, it could dramatically shift the NBA landscape.
> “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,” Windhorst said on SportsCenter. “And I think that’s the phase of this where we’re at.
> “So if a team pulls that off, and I’m not going to tell you the teams that are trying because I just can’t wade into those waters, this could be a trade that affects the outcome of this season.”
With one week remaining before the February 6 trade deadline, the Warriors have some critical decisions to make.