Despite Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s insistence on keeping the roster flexible, the recent dip in production warrants looking at win-now alternatives. Given the recent struggle, the team has since changed tune. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Warriors are "kicking the tires" on Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Windhorst appeared on Wednesday's Get Up on ESPN and reported that the Warriors are interested in trading for a "star player."
It's no shock that 36-year-old Stephen Curry requires a legitimate second option. Given their 5-5 stretch in the last 10 games, the Warriors slipped to fifth in the Western Conference after spending time as the top seed.
Considering their drip in the standings and the implications of what could happen if the Warriors don't obtain a second star to help Curry against elite defenses, Dunleavy's change in approach speaks to the desperation of the San Francisco franchise.
According to reports, Butler has three preferred destinations: The Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets, and the Warriors.
As a Texas native, Butler's interest in the Mavericks and Rockets makes sense, especially given their winning records in the Western Conference.
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However, Butler's preference for the Warriors speaks to the Curry-led franchise's winning history. As a player looking for a win-now situation, Curry offers Butler his best running mate. Moreover, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provides Butler with another elite coach to respect.
Although the Warriors currently rank in the lower half of the playoff seeding, adding Butler could bolster their team; more importantly, it would raise their ceiling in a playoff series.
Yet, in light of Butler's $48.7 million annual earnings for the 2024-25 season, the Warriors must sacrifice their depth to match such a figure or convince a third team to join the trade.
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Golden State trading for Butler isn't as easy as an NBA 2K transaction.
Nonetheless, if Windhorst reports it, Dunleavy Jr. is in Chase Center kicking a figurative tire.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 10:59 AM.