The Golden State Warriors are navigating a tough break with Jimmy Butler III sidelined by a torn right ACL, but don’t expect a dramatic shake-up just yet. While the front office is keeping its options open, there’s no indication that a blockbuster trade is on the horizon. Instead, the organization appears to be playing the long game - weighing the immediate impact of Butler’s injury against a broader, season-spanning strategy.
Butler’s Injury Alters the Timeline, Not the Vision
Despite the setback, the Warriors still see Butler as a key part of their future. Internally, there’s a strong belief that Butler’s value isn’t just about what he brings this year - it’s about what he can contribute when he returns next season. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. echoed that sentiment, downplaying any talk of a trade and instead pointing to Butler’s potential to provide a boost down the line.
“I don’t envision that,” Dunleavy said when asked about possibly moving Butler. “What I envision for him is kind of give us a boost next year the same way he did last year when he arrived.”
That’s a clear signal: Butler is still in the Warriors’ plans, and the front office isn’t looking to move him just because he’s unavailable right now.
No Déjà Vu with Butler’s Situation
Golden State has made moves in the past when faced with injuries - just last season, they dealt De’Anthony Melton after his ACL tear, flipping Dennis Schroder in the process and eventually landing Butler. But this isn’t the same scenario.
Melton was on a one-year deal, which gave the front office more flexibility. Butler’s contract is a different animal entirely.
He’s owed $54.1 million this season and a fully guaranteed $56.8 million next year. That kind of financial commitment makes a quick pivot much harder - and much less likely.
No Push for Anthony Davis, But Kuminga’s Name Still Circulates
As for any whispers about Anthony Davis? Sources around the league say the Warriors aren’t actively pursuing the Mavericks’ All-Star big man ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. While Davis would obviously be a splashy addition, the salary-matching gymnastics and long-term financial implications just don’t line up with Golden State’s current priorities.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga continues to draw attention around the league. The Mavericks have shown interest, and both the Kings and Lakers have been linked to the young forward as well. But interest doesn’t equal action - and at this point, there’s no clear path to a deal.
Kuminga, for his part, has handled the ups and downs like a pro. Even when he was out of the rotation earlier this season, he stayed locked in - sticking to his routine, staying prepared, and waiting for his opportunity.
That patience paid off. When minutes opened up following Butler’s injury, Kuminga stepped in and made an immediate impact before a minor injury slowed him down.
Still, that stretch was a reminder of what he can bring when he’s given a clear role.
Cautious, Not Complacent
So where does that leave the Warriors heading into the deadline? In a word: cautious.
The front office is evaluating, listening, and staying flexible - but there’s no sense of urgency to make a splash just for the sake of it. Butler’s injury is a setback, no doubt.
But it hasn’t derailed the long-term plan. Golden State still sees him as a foundational piece, and while Kuminga’s name may be floating in trade talks, there’s no indication the Warriors are rushing to move him either.
For now, it’s about staying the course, managing the present, and keeping an eye on what this roster can look like when it’s whole again.