Jimmy Butler has successfully exited Miami.

The Miami Heat have officially moved on from Butler after suspending him three times in January for behavior deemed harmful to the team.

The drama that caught the NBA’s attention at the start of 2025 has concluded.

In a detailed four-team trade, the Golden State Warriors have acquired Butler from Miami, which in return received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected 2025 draft pick from the Warriors. Golden State also traded Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz, who then sent P.J. Tucker to Miami. Detroit played a role by acquiring Josh Richardson from Miami and Lindy Waters III from Golden State.

There’s potential for further developments in this trade.

At its core, the deal results in the Warriors landing Butler, who has signed a two-year contract extension worth $121 million with them, lasting through the 2026-27 season, while Miami can move past a turbulent situation.

Analyzing the Heat-Warriors Trade

Golden State: B+

The Warriors gain an energized Butler, who can still make a significant impact at both ends of the court even at 35 years old. While there was much speculation about a move to Phoenix, Butler had not dismissed the idea of joining Golden State, which is aiming for another championship alongside Steph Curry. Additionally, the Warriors managed to keep Jonathan Kuminga, ensuring they have Butler secured for the long term.

Throughout this season, Butler’s role diminished within the Heat as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro became the team’s primary offensive players. Nevertheless, Butler maintained impressive stats with averages of 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 54% from the field, 36.1% on three-pointers, and 80.1% from the free-throw line. He is expected to have a more prominent offensive role with Golden State, addressing their needs as they currently sit with a lowly 19th-ranked offense.

Butler’s presence will enhance the Warriors’ 9th-ranked defense as well. Currently, the Warriors hold a 25-24 record, positioned at 10th place as they vie for a playoff spot in the Western Conference after a strong start that saw them at 12-3, only to struggle with a subsequent 13-21 record.

Miami: B+

For Miami, the Butler chapter is finally closed – a crucial decision as they wanted to move on. They can now concentrate on the current season, where a playoff spot is still attainable for a team currently in seventh place with a 25-24 record. Wiggins is having a commendable season, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Given Butler’s preferred trade destinations, the Heat had limited bargaining power, but they still managed to secure a first-round pick in the process. This pick is protected from 1-10 in 2025, indicating a chance for the Heat to use it in the upcoming June draft, potentially turning into a lottery selection depending on the Warriors’ overall performance.

Miami briefly explored the possibility of acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, but the Suns are committed to winning with Durant still on their roster. Absent a deal of that magnitude, Miami succeeded in acquiring another wing scorer and defender, along with what seems to be a valuable top-20 first-round pick, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Wiggins is under contract for two more years, totaling $58.3 million, but he also has a player option for 2026-27, allowing him to enter free agency in the summer of 2026.

Utah and Detroit’s Roles

No grades will be assigned to Utah and Detroit, as both teams played supportive roles in helping Miami and Golden State finalize the trade. Richardson and Waters are both on expiring deals, meaning the Pistons are not absorbing any long-term financial commitments. Meanwhile, the Jazz might trade Schroder for secondary round picks in the future.

Connect with NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt