Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on the Golden State Warriors’ blockbuster trade to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. The 5-time NBA champion praised the move, calling it an “awesome trade for the Warriors and Miami Heat for different reasons.”
“With the addition of Jimmy Butler, Golden State becomes a more explosive team, and Steph [Curry] gets a running mate that gives the Warriors scoring, defense, and toughness,” Johnson tweeted. “The best thing about Butler is that he always takes his game to another level in the Playoffs.”
Butler, 35, has been a key contributor for the Heat this season, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 30.6 minutes per game. His relentless playmaking and tough defensive presence make him a perfect fit for a Warriors team seeking to improve its performance after a rocky start to the season.
Despite sitting 11th in the Western Conference with a 25-25 record, the Warriors are looking to make a push for the playoffs. Adding Butler is seen as a move that could elevate Golden State’s chances of climbing higher in the standings and deepening its championship aspirations.
In the deal, the Warriors secured Butler’s services with a new two-year, $121 million contract extension. As part of the agreement, Butler declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, solidifying his future in the Bay Area.
To acquire Butler, Golden State made a series of significant moves. The Warriors parted ways with Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, and a protected first-round draft pick. The pick carries top-10 protection in 2025 and 2026 but becomes fully unprotected in 2027 if not conveyed.
In a related set of moves, Schroder was sent to the Utah Jazz, while PJ Tucker moved from the Jazz to the Heat. Josh Richardson and Waters were also traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of the overall reshuffling.
Butler had initially set his sights on joining the Phoenix Suns. However, after weeks of failed negotiations, Miami and Phoenix couldn’t finalize a trade centered on moving Bradley Beal. This cleared the path for Golden State to swoop in and complete the deal.
