A possible trade option for Jimmy Butler got a ‘big’ seal of approval. Shaquille O’Neal is advocating for a rational conversation between the Miami Heat and its star player. However, there’s a realistic edge to his advice to both Butler and Pat Riley. Last week, Shaq disagreed with Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA that Butler would take the $52 million player option. Now he’s sure a trade’s going to happen. O’Neal’s probably got his fingers crossed under the table hoping Butler goes to one of his favorite teams. Coincidentally, the same team’s reportedly making moves to acquire Miami’s troubled star.

The NBA legend who led Miami to its first championship in 2006 once again addressed the drama on The Big Podcast. Shaq’s again staying neutral, understanding both Butler’s and Riley’s sides, and appealing for both of them to talk this out.

Right after giving his own example about leaving Orlando for Los Angeles under similar circumstances, O’Neal asked Adam Lefkoe where he’d like to see Butler go. “I would like to see him go to Golden State,” was Shaq’s preference. Lefkoe is hoping for the Spurs.

O’Neal agreed with his co-host’s reasons that Butler needs to go where he’s needed. “I like him at Golden State ’cause when he was at Miami, he used to drive me crazy, get all the way to the lane, and kick it out four-three. I’m like, ‘bro, lay the goddamn ball up.’ So that’ll work in Golden State.”

It’s interesting that Shaq would love to see Butler team up with Steph Curry. He hardly gets to root for the Warriors on TNT without Charles Barkley overpowering him. The team though has been on a rollercoaster and people are starting to think Jimmy Butler’s addition would fix things.

Will Shaq see Jimmy Butler in the Bay Area?

The Golden State Warriors had a strong start to the 2024-25 season and Shaquille O’Neal was the happiest. Even while Chuck was calling them, “cute.” Then things went downhill and they were on a losing skid, but bounced back with a clutch 115-116 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.

While Curry got the chance to call out haters, the Warriors’ front office is apparently making some stealthy moves. The trade rumor mill speculated that the Dubs are pursuing a trade for Butler before the trade deadline. Although injury-ridden, the 35-year-old is a proven playoff performer who could improve the Warriors’ standings from the 12th seed.

But insiders also claim that the likes of Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green are against the team depleting resources to acquire Butler. On the night he surpassed Allen Iverson on the All-Time Scoring List, Curry said that the Warriors aren’t going to make a “desperate” blockbuster trade.

So far trade talks have been fruitless for that reason and Butler might have to take Miami’s $52 million option. Shaq has a suggestion to handle that too. He recommends a level-headed discussion with Pat Riley, just the way he had when he chose to take less money hoping to keep teammates like Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton, and then end up winning the 2006 chip. Which of Shaq’s two predictions comes true will have to be seen.

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