Sports reporter Shams Charania revealed that the Warriors acquired Miami Heat’s small forward Jimmy Butler through a four-team trade shortly before their game against the Utah Jazz on February 5. The Warriors had expressed interest in Butler in the past, and he recently demanded a trade. Fans felt uneasy with this trade, uncertain if Butler’s talent would be enough to make up for all the players he cost them.
Butler wasn’t cheap and cost the Warriors four core players. The trade blew up the team’s strong 12-man rotation, which has been a bright spot in the past year. Point guard Dennis Schroder was sent to the Utah Jazz, and shooting guard Lindy Waters III went to the Detroit Pistons. The Heat received small forward Kyle Anderson, a protected 2025 first-round pick, and small forward Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins has played for the Warriors since 2020 and became a core part of their 2022 championship team. This season, he was averaging almost 18 points and was a fan favorite.
Many fans were upset about the loss of Wiggins. “It wasn’t the best decision for the Warriors, considering they traded so many good players. I’m sad they lost Wiggins,” sophomore Isabelle Habibi said.
“Trading Andrew Wiggins and people like Kyle Anderson is terrible. I’m very disappointed,” senior Nate Fowler said.
Warriors fans had high expectations for this year’s trade deadline. There was even talk about reuniting with two-time champion and current Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant. “I was really hoping for Durant, so it can be a reunion,” intercultural Leadership teacher Karina Flores said.
However, Durant made it clear he did not want to rejoin the Warriors.
A top concern for many fans is Butler’s behavior. Butler is infamous for his bad attitude and messy breakups with teams. “Butler has been making problems for no reason in Miami. He won’t fit in with our rotation. We lost the trade,” senior Joshua Pfisner said.
“It all depends on Butler’s attitude and whether or not he wants to play, or if it’s just the same thing he’s done before, only wanting money,” sophomore Qasim Domji added.
Still, some fans felt that Butler could be advantageous to the Warriors at this point in the season. Nicknamed “playoff Jimmy,” Butler helped bring an under-talented Heat team to the finals twice during his time in Miami. “I’m happy. Butler is a great playoff guy. He always shows out. It’s gonna be great,” sophomore Sam Huddleson said.
“They needed a new secondary scorer to support Curry, so it’ll be good to have variety,” senior Dominic Auer said.
M-A fans can only hope that Butler will fit in with the Warriors. “If there’s one thing the Warriors can do, it’s support a player in crisis, which is what Butler was with the Heat,” Flores said.
