The Warriors are reportedly facing a similar hurdle to the one they faced in pursuing All-Star winger Paul George this offseason.

In a potential trade involving Heat icon Jimmy Butler, who made his dissatisfaction with his team clear after Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, Miami will likely want Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga in return. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Friday.

“The Warriors and Heat have had discussions with each other about Butler this season, league sources confirmed,” Siegel wrote. “Although there is mutual interest between Butler and Golden State, Miami has made it clear that Jonathan Kuminga is a player they would like to include in a potential deal for their superstar forward.

“While there are conflicting opinions around the league about what Kuminga’s long-term future looks like, the Warriors have not been eager to include him in trade discussions.”

The Warriors’ reluctance to include Kuminga in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers contributed to George’s inability to pack his bags for San Francisco.

According to Siegel, the same thing could happen with the Butler saga.

Still, Butler is an enticing prospect. The 35-year-old is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists – well below his peak numbers in Miami – and appears to want one last hurrah professionally, which is why he wants to “get my joy back,” he said on Thursday evening to reporters.

The Warriors, nearing the end of superstar Steph Curry’s career, are in a similar boat.

A six-time All-Star, Butler has averaged 18.3 points over his career, making up for questionable 3-point shooting with strong defense. However, it is uncertain how much the Chicago native has left in the tank.

Golden State is a team to keep an eye on as the Butler drama unfolds ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 6th. One way or another, it seems like the big-name wing is on the move. Perhaps the Warriors’ offer of Kuminga will tip the scales.

“After Pat Riley’s offseason comments about Butler having to keep his mouth shut if he didn’t play in the team’s playoff series, and after he couldn’t agree on the terms of a new extension, the promise began to emerge this marriage from the end,” Siegel concluded.

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