Nikola Vučević’s “most talked about” Warriors trade destination – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Nikola Vučević’s “most talked about” Warriors trade destination – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

A Warriors trade for disgruntled Heat star Jimmy Butler is becoming increasingly unlikely for several reasons, including cultural fit and his contract, Marcus Thompson, Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported, citing team and league sources.

On Friday night, Miami announced that Butler had been suspended seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team” after he admitted he “probably” couldn’t find joy with the Heat, and the team confirmed it was ready to listen to offers for the 35-year-old.

Thompson, Amick and Slater determined that what went wrong between Butler and the team he helped reach the NBA Finals just two seasons ago stemmed from his next contract, in which Butler was on a Maximum extension was pushed for this offseason, but the Heat made it clear that wasn’t in their plans.

This very reason led to great hesitation among the Warriors and was “unappetizing” for the team, Thompson, Amick and Slater reported, citing team and league sources. Historically, Golden State has been more attracted to players with mid-sized contracts, which makes for two more likely trade destinations.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson has been the talk of the trade town and would fill a needed void for the Warriors. He makes $22.5 million this season, $20.5 million next and $22.5 million the following. But Golden State isn’t the only one calling, as teams like the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder have put more pressure on the 28-year-old, Thompson, Slater and Amick wrote.

It is Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević who has emerged as the Warriors’ “most discussed” trade target, Thompson, Amick and Slater reported, citing team and league sources.

Vučević would fill a huge need for the Warriors as they have been looking for a true center for a long time. In 33 games this season, Vučević averaged 20.3 points on 55.9 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range (on 4.8 attempts), with 10.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists 32.2 minutes.

The two-time NBA All-Star is making $20 million this season and $21.4 million next season. Golden State has several smaller contracts that could reach that number, such as $9.1 million for Gary Payton II, $8.7 million for Buddy Hield or Kyle Anderson and/or $8 million for Kevon Looney.

While Vučević may not move the needle the way Butler did, the 6-foot-10 man could be the better all-around solution for what Golden State currently needs entering a crucial phase of the season in order to maintain its strong playoff hopes to preserve life.

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