Dub Hub: Warriors rumored to have interest in Jimmy Butler, made ‘a couple calls’ this summer

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Friday, September 13th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• On a recent episode of The TK Show, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that the Warriors have interest in Heat star Jimmy Butler.
• The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reports that there hasn’t been any significant progress towards a deal for Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
• The Heat will unveil a statue honoring franchise legend Dwyane Wade in October.

The Golden State Warriors are getting closer to their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 5th, but questions still remain about their lack of a secondary scoring option. After failing to secure stars like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen this offseason, the team may have their sights set on a new target: the Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, on a recent episode of The TK Show, the Warriors showed interest in the five-time All-Star and reportedly made “a couple calls” about his availability this past summer.

Via NBC Sports Bay Area:

“You need the wheels to fall off somewhere,” Amick told Kawakami about which star player the Warriors could pursue. “Not free agency-wise, talking trade-wise. A couple guys who come to mind, Jimmy Butler is going to be a free agent next summer. Didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors, as you know, have interest there and I think probably made a couple calls during the summer. That name comes to mind.”

Contract negotiations have gone south between Butler and the Heat, with the 34-year-old saying this past offseason that he will not be signing an extension with them ahead of his free agency in 2025. While Butler remains one of the fiercest playoff competitiors in recent years, regular season durability has been an issue for him, especially as he gets older. Having said that, his toughness and hard-working mentality could make him a natural fit on the Warriors if they choose to pursue him.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, September 13th:

Warriors News:

Report: Warriors have interest in Butler ahead of 2025 free agency | NBC Sports Bay Area

While nothing appears imminent, the Warriors previously have expressed interest in acquiring Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported on a recent episode of “The TK Show” with Tim Kawakami.

“You need the wheels to fall off somewhere,” Amick told Kawakami about which star player the Warriors could pursue. “Not free agency-wise, talking trade-wise. A couple guys who come to mind, Jimmy Butler is going to be a free agent next summer. Didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors, as you know, have interest there and I think probably made a couple calls during the summer. That name comes to mind.”

Where do Jonathan Kuminga extension talks stand as Warriors’ training camp nears? | The Athletic

Less contract drama doesn’t mean zero contract drama. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are both extension eligible as they enter the final season of their rookie deals. The deadline to get something done is Oct. 21 or they will enter restricted free agency next July. Six weeks out and there hasn’t been significant progress toward a deal in either case, league sources said.

Economic Impact Report Estimates $4.2 Billion Generated by Chase Center Since 2019 | Chase Center

Chase Center, in partnership with Accenture, has released an economic impact report estimating that the venue has generated $4.2 billion for the San Francisco economy, including over $2.9 billion in direct spend and over $1 billion in spend recirculation, since opening in 2019. The study, which was created in celebration of Chase Center’s fifth anniversary, measures activity from the more than 4.8 million fans who have attended the arenas over 400 diverse events across sports, music, comedy, theater, family entertainment, and more. Both direct and influenced economic activity in the San Francisco community across several key categories are measured in the report, including direct spend, indirect spend, induced effects and public sector effects.

1 ‘Realistic’ Dream Trade Target for Every NBA Team | Bleacher Report

If the Warriors aren’t willing to pay Kuminga and Moody, perhaps they can relocate them to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. Golden State would need to include others like Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, and roster space would be an issue for the Wizards taking in that many players, but it’s workable with some creativity. Kuzma has $3.1 million of unlikely incentives, but the Warriors can stay below the first apron this year (and next) in adding the one-time NBA champion.

Golden State Valkyries reveal new team facility set for 2025

NBA News:

Heat to unveil statue of Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade in October | NBA

“When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane was the face of this franchise forever and I meant it,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement in January. “Dwyane’s legacy is a towering one not only for the Miami Heat but for Miami-Wade County. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by memorializing that legacy.”

LeBron, AD’s quest and trades? What lies ahead for the Lakers | ESPN

One name to watch: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. James offered to take a pay cut to open up the full midlevel exception to sign the free agent big man, but he opted for more guaranteed money from a three-year, $30 million deal in Washington.

Still, the Lakers need a center, the Wizards don’t figure to be contenders this season, and Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has a proven record of getting deals done with Washington’s organization.

Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey is current favorite to win Rookie of the Year, according to Bovada

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Will Steph Curry play beyond his current contract?

There are a lot of factors at play. We know the answers to some of them, we can guess the answers to others, and we’re clueless about some.

But I sure as hell hope the answer is yes. Because not only does that mean more time watching Curry, but it almost surely means he’s still playing well, and the Warriors are still competitive.

A tweet to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.