Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Getty
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.
The injury left a massive hole in Golden State’s roster. Butler was the Warriors’ second-best player and provided scoring, playmaking, and elite defense. Replacing his production has proven difficult, and the Warriors have struggled in his absence.
Ryan Shea of Sports Illustrated recently proposed a trade that would bring Zach LaVine to Golden State in an effort to fill the void left by Butler’s injury.
The trade framework, according to Shea, would look like this:
Warriors receive: Zach LaVine, Dario Saric
Kings receive: Jimmy Butler, 2030 second-round pick
The proposal is built on the idea that the Sacramento Kings are in rebuild mode and looking to shed LaVine’s contract. Meanwhile, the Warriors need scoring to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Why the Warriors Would Consider This Trade
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
GettyZach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings.
LaVine would provide the scoring punch Golden State desperately needs.
He is averaging 19.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season. That is not quite Butler’s production, but it is close enough to keep the Warriors competitive. LaVine can create his own shot, stretch the floor, and provide the offensive firepower that has been missing since Butler went down.
The Warriors are 25-21 and sit in eighth place in the Western Conference. Without Butler, their playoff hopes are in jeopardy. Adding LaVine would give Stephen Curry another scoring option and take some of the offensive burden off his shoulders.
LaVine also fits the timeline. He is 29 years old and in the prime of his career. The Warriors are trying to maximize Curry’s remaining years, and LaVine gives them another proven scorer who can contribute immediately.
The problem is LaVine’s contract.
He is owed $49 million for the 2026-27 season, when he has a player option. That is a massive commitment for a player who is not a top-tier star. The Warriors would be trading one hefty contract for another, and there is no guarantee LaVine would be worth the investment.
LaVine is also a significant downgrade from Butler on defense. Butler is one of the league’s elite two-way players. LaVine is not. The Warriors would lose Butler’s defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions, which could hurt them in matchups against elite wings.
Why the Kings Would Make This Trade
The Kings are 12-34 and firmly in rebuild mode.
Sacramento is not competing for a playoff spot this season, and the front office is focused on shedding salary and accumulating future assets. Trading LaVine accomplishes both goals.
LaVine’s contract is a burden for a rebuilding team. His $49 million player option for 2026-27 is a significant financial commitment that limits the Kings’ flexibility moving forward. By moving LaVine now, Sacramento clears salary off the books and avoids being stuck with an aging scorer who does not fit their timeline.
In return, the Kings would take on Butler’s contract, but Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL. He would never play a game for Sacramento. The Kings would simply absorb his contract for salary-matching purposes and move on.
The 2030 second-round pick is not a significant asset, but it is something. For a team in full rebuild mode, any future draft capital has value.
The trade makes sense for Sacramento from a financial perspective. The Kings get out of LaVine’s long-term deal and gain a future pick without giving up anything of value.
Does This Trade Make Sense for the Warriors?
Steph Curry
GettySteph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a four-time NBA champion.
This trade is a gamble for Golden State.
LaVine would provide scoring, but he is not a true replacement for Butler. The Warriors would lose elite defense and two-way impact in exchange for a player who excels offensively but struggles on the other end of the floor.
LaVine’s contract is also a concern. The Warriors would be committing significant money to a player who has not proven he can be the second option on a championship contender. LaVine has been a productive scorer throughout his career, but he has never led a team deep into the playoffs.
The Warriors are desperate for scoring after losing Butler. But desperation can lead to bad decisions. Trading for LaVine might keep Golden State competitive in the short term, but it could also lock them into a contract that becomes a problem down the line.
The other issue is fit. LaVine is a volume scorer who needs the ball in his hands. The Warriors already have Curry, who dominates the offense. Adding another high-usage player could create friction and disrupt the flow of Golden State’s system.
LaVine is also not the type of player who makes his teammates better. Butler did. Butler was a playmaker and a leader who elevated the Warriors’ defense and created opportunities for others. LaVine does not bring that same impact.
Final Word for the Warriors
Zach LaVine would give the Warriors scoring after losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear.
Ryan Shea’s trade proposal from Sports Illustrated offers a framework that makes sense from a salary-matching perspective. The Kings shed LaVine’s contract, and the Warriors get a proven scorer who can contribute immediately.
But this is not a move the Warriors should rush into. LaVine is not a true replacement for Butler. He provides offense but lacks the defensive versatility and two-way impact that made Butler so valuable. And his contract is a significant commitment for a player who has not proven he can be the second option on a championship team.
The Warriors are desperate for help after losing Butler. But trading for LaVine might create more problems than it solves. If Golden State can find a better option before the February 5 deadline, they should pursue it. If not, they may have to consider whether keeping their flexibility is more important than making a win-now move that could backfire.