"Move Kuminga, move Wiggins" - NBA analyst claims Jimmy Butler trade could fix Warriors' championship woes

Jimmy Butler has become one of the most talked-about names this trade season. With rumors linking him to the Golden State Warriors, NBA analyst David Dennis Jr. of Andscape shared his thoughts on what the Warriors need to do to make themselves championship contenders again.

On ESPN's "First Take" on Thursday, Dennis said that the Warriors need to get the Miami Heat star. He also said that the team should clear certain players from its roster.

"After what I've seen these last few games, especially yesterday, (Jonathan) Kuminga is just not cutting it, and I'm fine with getting rid of those guys to just get Jimmy Butler. ... They are in a tailspin. ... Move Kuminga, move (Andrew) Wiggins, move whoever you got to. Move (Bay Area rapper) E-40 if you got to, so you can get Jimmy Butler."

Butler has been heavily linked to the Warriors as one of his preferred destinations. A Christmas Day report by ESPN's Shams Charania disclosed that Butler is willing to make the move this trade season although he hasn't made the request to be traded.

It's not the first time that Butler has been linked with a move away from the Miami Heat. The only information from his camp has been his agent, Bernard Lee, calling out Shams Charania for his "fabricated" reporting.

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Jimmy Butler trade rumors addressed by Heat President Pat Riley

The rumors linking Jimmy Butler away from the Miami Heat have drawn a response from Heat President Pat Riley. The Hall of Famer was direct in a statement released on Thursday as he closed the door on a potential move for the six-time NBA All-Star.

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

The Heat (14-13) have struggled as they sit sixth in the Eastern Conference. Butler's numbers are down as he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 55.2%, including 35.7% from 3-point range.

Nonetheless, he is known to come alive during the postseason and would be useful to any team he joins or if he remains with the Miami Heat.