The Golden State Warriors' playoff hopes were dealt a significant blow on Monday after star forward Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL in a 135-112 win over the Miami Heat.
Butler landed awkwardly after catching a contested pass in the third quarter, immediately falling to the ground and clutching his knee in visible pain.
The 36-year-old was helped off the court and was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Butler is averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, while shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the arc in 38 games this season. The 15-year NBA veteran is in the first season of a two-year, $110-million contract extension he signed with Golden State in the summer.
The Warriors currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 25-20 record. If they're serious about making a playoff push and contending for most likely the last title of Stephen Curry's career, they'll have to find a replacement for Butler in the trade market.
ESPN insider Shams Charania has an interesting suggestion for general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Shams Tabs DeRozan as Butler Replacement
DeMar DeRozan Kings
On Tuesday, Charania shared that he believes the Warriors should show interest in Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan to fill the void left by Butler.
“Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, does that fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler?"
DeRozan is averaging 19.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three-point range in 44 appearances this season. The Compton, California native is in the second season of a three-year, $73-million contract.
Both age 36, DeRozan and Butler present similar profiles, with DeRozan the craftier scorer and Butler playing more of a two-way game.
The Kings are undoubtedly looking to rebuild as they sit 14th in the West with a 12-32 record, and would be eager to get off DeRozan's contract for the right price.
One name they've been connected to is Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga, who has reportedly demanded a trade out of Golden State. Charania also provided an update on the 2021 first round pick, who will get a bump in minutes in the wake of Butler's injury.
"One way or another, the Warriors are about to find out where they stand with Jonathan Kuminga this season.”
A trade revolved around DeRozan and Kuminga could make a lot of sense for both sides.
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