The Golden State Warriors may have walked away with a 135-112 win over the Miami Heat, but the victory came at a steep cost. Jimmy Butler, who had recently joined the team and was expected to be a pivotal piece in their playoff push, suffered a torn ACL during the game. With Butler now sidelined for the remainder of the season, Golden State faces a significant challenge in maintaining its footing in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Already navigating a rocky 2025-26 campaign, the Warriors turned to internal reinforcements, reintroducing Jonathan Kuminga into the rotation in hopes of stabilizing the lineup. But the results were far from encouraging. In their next outing, Golden State fell 145-127 to the Toronto Raptors-a game that exposed just how much Butler’s absence disrupts both ends of the floor.
Kuminga brings athleticism and defensive upside, but expecting him to replicate Butler’s two-way impact is a tall order. The Warriors know this, and that’s why they’re reportedly exploring external options ahead of the trade deadline. According to recent reports, Golden State has its eyes on New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, viewing him as a potential game-changer who could slide seamlessly into their system.
Murphy, known for his length, shooting touch, and defensive versatility, fits the Warriors’ mold of a high-IQ wing who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions. Even after losing Butler, Golden State remains aggressive in its pursuit of Murphy, signaling that they’re not ready to punt on the season.
The reported trade package on the table includes Jonathan Kuminga, promising young guard Brandin Podziemski, and multiple first-round picks-an offer that underscores just how highly the Warriors value Murphy’s potential fit. It’s a bold swing, but one that could pay dividends if Murphy’s development continues on its current trajectory.
While the front office works the phones, Stephen Curry continues to make history. The two-time MVP was recently named a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 12th selection-all with the Warriors.
That puts him in elite company, as one of just 17 players in league history to earn a dozen All-Star nods with a single franchise. It’s another feather in the cap of a generational talent who’s already the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
But even with Curry’s individual brilliance, the Warriors are in a precarious spot. They sit eighth in the Western Conference with a 25-20 record-good enough to stay in the playoff picture, but hardly the dominant force we’ve come to expect during the dynasty years. With the Dallas Mavericks up next at the American Airlines Center, Golden State will need to dig deep to stay competitive in a crowded playoff race.
The path forward isn’t easy. Butler’s injury leaves a massive hole, and the margin for error is shrinking by the game.
But if the Warriors can land a player like Trey Murphy III and keep Curry healthy and firing, there’s still time to reshape the narrative of this season. The clock’s ticking-and the Warriors know it.