Golden State Warriors Sign a new Big Superstar form Miami Heat…
Butler’s future remains complicated and Heat president Pat Riley appeared to throw gasoline on the fire when calling out the superstar after Miami was eliminated. Riley discussed everything from Butler’s availability, contract extension (or lack thereof) and the star’s trash talk despite being sidelined.
Butler potentially still has two seasons remaining on a three-year, $146.3 million contract. The superstar has a player option after the 2024-25 season.
If exercised, this would allow Butler the ability to hit free agency in 2025. Butler has a sizable $48.7 million cap hit in 2024-25.
The backdrop for this discussion is the uncertain future of Klay Thompson. If Thompson leaves in free agency, could Warriors get aggressive in trying to land a replacement star like Butler or another veteran? Slater reported that there is a “realistic chance” Thompson is playing elsewhere next season.
“The calendar flips to June this weekend. It’s the final month of Klay Thompson’s current contract with the Golden State Warriors, and there remains a realistic chance these are the fading days of his 13-year run with the organization,” Slater noted. “As the decision on his future nears, there’s been no notable movement from either side toward a resolution, league sources said.
“….[The Warriors] haven’t exactly been beating down his door to work out the framework for an extension (which can be signed at any time). In turn, the 34-year-old Thompson appears ready to test free-agency waters, exploring external options for the first time in his career.”
