Warriors Proposed to Trade Jimmy Butler to Blazers for $134M 2x NBA Champion

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 7: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 7, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Getty

The Portland Trail Blazers pulled the trigger on an intriguing trade earlier this offseason, bringing in 26-year-old former All-Star point guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. That’s now four starting-caliber guards jammed in one backcourt, and there’s only one basketball last we checked.

So, why not a trade that moves one of those guards in a potentially sneaky good move? We’re talking about Golden State Warriors wingman Jimmy Butler, who has been long out of sight/out of mind since tearing his ACL in January.

In a proposed trade with the Golden State Warriors, Butler would get shipped to Portland in exchange for Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III, giving the Blazers a veteran star who could potentially help push them deeper into the postseason.

Here is the framework.

Blazers receive: Jimmy Butler

Warriors receive: Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III

This trade is hypothetical and intended to explore one way Portland could add an established star and unload Williams’ multi-year contract, while the Warriors pick up a proven playoff star and make their 2026-27 season a lot more interesting.

Why Jimmy Butler Makes Sense for the Trail Blazers

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The 36-year-old Butler is owed $56.8 million next season — that figure makes you want to turn and run! — but it is the final year of his contract. That gives Portland reason to acquire Butler and see how he can elevate the rising Blazers, who are starting to look more and more toward contending in the West. 

Butler suffered an ACL tear last season and is expected to miss the beginning of next season, with a potential return around the middle of the season. If he can return healthy and look anything like the player he was in Miami and when he was first traded to Golden State, the timing could work rather nicely.

After all, Butler — who has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists for his career and has made seven All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams — turned around the Warriors’ 2024-25 season after being traded from the Miami Heat midseason. If he comes back from injury close to the player he was before, who is to say he wouldn’t have a similar impact in Portland?

If things don’t end up panning out, at least Portland would have Holiday and Williams’ contracts off its books.

Why the Warriors Should Consider the Butler Trade

The Warriors’ offseason has been extremely underwhelming in the eyes of many fans, particularly for a team that still has Steph Curry playing at an elite level, though injuries are starting to pile up for the 38-year-old.

Perhaps Holiday could help the Warriors become an interesting factor in the West next season. After all, it seems like wherever he goes, his team wins a lot more.

The 36-year-old guard has won two championships, made two All-Star teams and earned five All-Defensive selections during his career. He is still one of the league’s most terrorizing on-ball defenders. Even in last season’s playoff against the eventual Western Conference champions, Holiday produced over 16 points and seven assists per game for the underdog Blazers.

The Warriors would also pick up Williams, the explosive 28-year-old who has proven his impact … when he has actually been on the court. For a Golden State team lacking a true center, Williams could be a solid addition. 

If anything moving Butler for Holiday and Williams trims significant payroll off the Warriors’ books. If the Warriors wanted to make a move of note, they would have the room to do it.

For the Blazers, the idea is to clarify the backcourt and add a star in Butler who has shown time and time again how much he impacts winning. 

That Butler-Deni Advija duo on the wing wouldn’t be too shabby.

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