NBA Trades: Jimmy Butler is finally moved in a league-changing blockbuster deadline move.
After months of speculation, the national nightmare between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler is over. The relationship between Jimmy and the Heat had been deteriorating over what has to be the last year and the two sides finally decided it was best to move their separate ways. Just before the trade deadline, the Heat agreed to trade Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. As part of the deal, to make the financial money work, the Detroit Pistons are absorbing Lindy Waters II and Josh Richardson. The Utah Jazz are also sending PJ Tucket to the Heat while taking on Dennis Schroder.
In summary, here is the offical deal now that all the details have surfaced:
Heat get: Andrew Wiggins, PJ Tucker, Kyle Anderson, 2025 1st round pick (top-10 protected)
Warriors get: Jimmy Butler
Jazz get: Dennis Schroder
Pistons get: Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson
In almost an impossible position, the Heat managed to make lemonade out of lemons. Over the last few months, the Heat chose to suspend Jimmy three times in an attempt to keep him (and his actions) away from the team. It had come to the point where Miami would much rather have Jimmy away from the team until they were able to reach a trade. It may have taken longer than expected, but the Heat should feel good about this deal. The Jimmy era in Miami is officially over.
Jimmy's legacy in Miami
It may take some time but Jimmy will be remembered in a positive light when looking back. He has to. In five complete years with the team, Jimmy helped lead the Heat to two NBA Finals and three Eastern Conference Finals appearances. It's a shame it had to end like this but time will hopefully heal all wounds.
All that said, it's probably in the best of both to move on. Jimmy will have an opportunity to close out the final chapter of his career with the Warriors and the Heat could be excited about the new era of basketball for the city. How this deal ends up working out for both sides remains to be seen but there are reasons for both the Heat and Warriors to be excited.
Make no mistake, all eyes will be on the new-look Warriors as they've added a legit star player next to Steph Curry and Draymond Green for the remainder of the season. Miami should also be able to remain competitive heading into the final stretch run and can't be overlooked as a potential dark horse threat in the Eastern Conference as we inch closer toward the start of the NBA Playoffs.