The Golden State Warriors are undeniably at a crossroads. With Stephen Curry still leading the charge, the franchise is far from rebuilding — but they’re not the NBA juggernaut they once were either.
The dynasty built around Curry and Draymond Green is aging, and while there are promising pieces like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and others, those assets have not developed as quickly or as effectively as the Warriors hoped.
With the team languishing in the lower half of the Western Conference playoff race, Golden State is in need of a change — something that can spark an NBA title push in Curry’s twilight years.
In Jimmy Butler, perhaps they could find just that spark.
Butler has long been one of the league’s premier playoff performers, a true battle-tested star capable of raising the ceiling of any NBA team lucky enough to add him. And for the Miami Heat, the relationship with Butler seems to have run its course.
Multiple suspensions and growing tension between Butler and the front office make it clear that both sides are ready for a change. The Heat are looking for a reset, and a player like Brandon Ingram — currently in his prime and showing NBA star potential — could be a key piece for their future.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are embracing a full-scale rebuild, with Ingram firmly on the trading block as they pivot toward building around Zion Williamson and their younger core.
A three-team trade involving the Warriors, Heat, and Pelicans could give all parties involved what they need to take the next step.
Proposed Trade Details
- Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler, 2027 2nd-Round Pick (via CHI, from New Orleans)
- Heat Receive: Brandon Ingram, Kyle Anderson, Moses Moody, 2026 1st-Round Pick (via GSW)
- Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Alec Burks
Warriors: All-In for One Last NBA Run
For Golden State, the window to contend is closing fast. They cannot afford to sit on their hands, especially with Curry’s career winding down.
Jimmy Butler, while 35, brings everything the Warriors need — defensive versatility, leadership, and a proven ability to deliver in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
Butler would immediately fill a huge gap for the Warriors in terms of defense and intensity — something they’ve lacked ever since Draymond Green’s struggles with injuries and suspensions.
With Green’s availability in constant flux, Butler offers another elite defender capable of guarding multiple positions and adding a different dynamic on both ends of the floor.
While the Warriors would have to part with a first-round pick and some young talent, including Moses Moody, they’re at a point where they simply cannot wait for their draft picks to develop.
Wiggins has been inconsistent this season, and while he remains a solid player, he hasn’t been the impactful two-way force Golden State needs right now. In Butler, they get a player who’s proven to thrive on the biggest stage and can help keep their championship aspirations alive.
Butler fits the Warriors’ culture perfectly, with his tenacity, work ethic, and leadership—qualities that resonate with a franchise built on these very ideals. Even if Butler only gives them one or two more years of elite play, it could be enough to push them back into title contention.
Heat: Turning NBA Page
The Miami Heat’s relationship with Jimmy Butler has been tumultuous, and it’s clear both sides could benefit from a fresh start. The Heat’s approach has always centered around defense and versatility, but they’ve lacked a true go-to scorer to pair with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Enter Brandon Ingram — still just 27, he brings scoring, playmaking, and positional flexibility that fit well within Miami’s system.
At 6’9″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, Ingram can play both forward spots and act as a secondary ball handler, an area the Heat desperately need. Though he doesn’t bring Butler’s defensive chops, Ingram’s offensive game is a more than adequate replacement in the short term.
His three-level scoring ability would immediately make the Heat’s offense more dynamic.
Along with Ingram, Miami picks up Kyle Anderson, a steady, versatile forward who thrives in their defensive system.
They also get Moses Moody, a promising young wing, and a 2026 first-round pick from Golden State, offering both immediate depth and future flexibility.
This trade helps Miami transition to a younger, more balanced team while maintaining their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
Pelicans: Resetting for Future
The Pelicans, who have been stuck in the middle of the NBA’s standings for too long, get the opportunity to reset with this deal. Brandon Ingram has been a solid contributor, but his pairing with Zion Williamson has yet to elevate the team to serious contention.
The Pelicans are embracing the rebuild, and this trade allows them to surround their young core with valuable veteran talent.
Andrew Wiggins, though not the star he was during Golden State’s 2022 championship run, is still a solid two-way player who can provide immediate help on both ends of the floor. With a fresh start, he could thrive alongside New Orleans’ younger players.
Meanwhile, Gary Payton II and Alec Burks bring needed depth to a Pelicans team that lacks consistent perimeter defense and shooting.
None of these players are long-term building blocks, but they offer both experience and financial flexibility.
For New Orleans, this trade is about setting a clearer course forward—away from the inconsistent production of Ingram and toward a more sustainable, long-term strategy. With future picks, cap space, and the potential for further trades down the line, the Pelicans are in position to build around their core and pivot into a more coherent rebuild.
At the end of the day, this deal is a bold move for all parties.
For Golden State, it’s about maximizing Curry’s championship window, adding a high-level talent in Butler who can give them one last shot at glory.
For Miami, it’s about shedding a potentially combustible situation and embracing a new era around Ingram. And for New Orleans, it’s about reloading for the future, adding valuable pieces without committing to long-term salary obligations.
If all sides can stomach the risk, this deal might just be the key to shaping the future of the NBA power structure.
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