As the regular season progresses, some teams in the league inevitably encounter bottlenecks. For example, the Kings have fallen from dark horses in the West to the bottom of the standings. After a recent five-game losing streak, the Kings unexpectedly fired head coach Mike Brown, and their core players were also put on the trading block. The Suns, with the most luxurious lineup in the league, have three top scorers in Durant, Booker, and Beal, but their record is lukewarm, hovering around the play-in tournament, somewhat lacking substance. The Bulls have been mired in trade rumors since the start of the season. Their star player, Zach LaVine, has a huge garbage contract that no one in the market wants, leaving the Bulls in an awkward position, finding it difficult to rebuild or improve their record. If they don't make adjustments to their roster soon, they will have wasted these years.
Similarly, the Warriors and Heat have also encountered difficulties recently. The Warriors started high this season but then went low, with a combined record of 12 wins and 3 losses in the first 15 regular-season games, once ranking first in the West. However, in the next 15 games, the Warriors only managed 3 wins and 12 losses, reversing their record from the previous 15 games, with a win rate back to 50%, falling to the middle and lower reaches of the Western Conference. Looking at the data, the Warriors' core scoring points have declined. Curry, who has the highest salary in the league, averages only 22.5 points this season, with much less offensive aggression than before. Former All-Stars like Wiggins and Draymond Green are now far from their peak state. New recruit Schroder's personal performance did not meet expectations, with a shooting percentage of less than 30% since joining the Warriors, including only 4 out of 21 three-point shots.
The Heat, on the other hand, are in even deeper trouble. Although their current record is acceptable, ranking sixth in the East, their star player Butler is considering leaving. According to ESPN reporter Shams, Jimmy Butler hopes to be traded before the February 7 trade deadline, leaving Miami. The Heat are willing to listen to trade offers for Butler, and Butler also hopes to join a team with championship potential in the trade. Heat reporters Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang said that Butler is disappointed with the Heat, mainly because the Heat refused to offer him a two-year, $113 million early extension contract during the offseason. This was Butler's expectation for his contract. If the Heat had offered it when the signing rights opened last summer, Butler would have been happy to sign. But as the Heat refused to offer a quote, Butler's mentality changed.
Considering the current situation of the Warriors and the Heat, journalist Marc Stein proposed a 4-for-1 trade plan where the Heat send Butler and the Warriors send Kuminga, Wiggins, Waters, and a second-round draft pick. Goodbye Butler! Epic 4-for-1 trade plan, Curry welcomes an All-Star assistant, Warriors aim for the championship. For the Heat, Butler's contract with the Heat this season is worth 49million,withaplayeroptionworth52 million for the 2025-26 season. This summer, both sides failed to reach an extension agreement, and it seems that the Heat and Butler are ready to end the "Butler era." They are shifting their focus to the emerging core lineup, including All-Star center Adebayo and Tyler Herro, who is just entering his prime.
Judging from last season and this season's performance, Butler's enthusiasm in the Heat has indeed declined day by day. This season, his average score dropped to 18.5 points. On the one hand, the Heat pay more attention to the cultivation of other cores. On the other hand, compared to championship-level teams, the Heat still have a gap with their current lineup. Butler is also in the twilight of his career and can no longer perform at his peak. He must aim for championships, so leaving the Heat is also a correct choice for him. The Heat can get Kuminga and Wiggins from Butler's trade, which is absolutely a worthwhile operation. Kuminga has great potential and is gradually realizing his talent and value in the Warriors. He combines shooting and impact, with abundant energy in the game.
Although Wiggins did not meet everyone's expectations for the "No. 1 pick," he has been very stable since entering the league, with enough average output. He can maintain a stable contribution in every game, and now he is at the peak age, always ready to burst into a second spring. If the Heat can get the two of them, their immediate combat effectiveness will definitely be enhanced. On the other side, the Warriors, Curry is finally no longer lonely, welcoming a real All-Star teammate. Although Butler's regular-season statistics are average, he is a star with a high ceiling, capable of playing a huge role in key games, playoffs, and tough battles. His arrival will also help the Warriors restart their championship journey. Both Butler and Curry are 36 years old, and working together, they will not waste the last few years of their careers. What do you think of this 4-for-1 trade plan?
