The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads, with the clock ticking on their championship aspirations during Stephen Curry's prime. A significant piece of this puzzle is what to do with Jimmy Butler and his hefty $56 million expiring contract.
At 36, Butler is facing a tough break after tearing his ACL in January, likely sidelining him for the entire season. Before his injury, Butler was a force on the court, averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, shooting an impressive 51.9% from the field and 37.6% from downtown in the 2025-26 season.
The Warriors' window for another championship is narrowing, and they're contemplating a potential rebuild. Enter the social media buzz, with 'NBA Trade Report' suggesting that Golden State is looking to move Butler's contract, eyeing Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan as potential targets.
Rumor has it that the Kings are considering a waive-and-stretch move on DeRozan's $25.75 million contract, as reported by HoopsHype’s Mike A. Scotto. With DeRozan's contract only partially guaranteed, stretching it over three seasons could free up space, and the Clippers are reportedly interested in the veteran should he hit free agency.
The Kings appear to be in the midst of a strategic rebuild, focusing on their young talent, like Keegan Murray, and potentially parting ways with veterans like Sabonis, who carries a $94 million price tag over the next two years.
For the Warriors, acquiring Sabonis and DeRozan could be a short-term win-now move, bolstering their roster with a defensive playmaker and a seasoned scorer. However, these additions wouldn't be a long-term fix.
Butler, despite his current injury, has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Warriors. In a recent interview with team owner Joe Lacob, Butler emphasized his commitment to the team and his role as Curry's right-hand man. He spoke passionately about his time with the Warriors, appreciating the winning culture and expressing no interest in playing elsewhere.
If the trade rumors hold any truth, Butler might find himself in a tough spot, emotionally tied to the Warriors yet potentially on the trading block. This situation underscores the business side of basketball, where tough decisions are made in pursuit of championships.
Despite the swirling rumors, Warriors' GM Mike Dunleavy has assured fans that Butler is still part of the team's long-term plans. As the offseason unfolds, the Warriors' strategy will be crucial in determining whether they can make another run at the title or if a rebuild is on the horizon.
In Other News...
Warriors Just Put Another Fringe Rotation Wing On Notice
The Warriors used the 54th pick to add Lajae Jones, and even at that stage of the draft, the move can ripple through the back end of a roster. Jones is a wing with a developmental label attached to him, which matters for Golden State because the team is always juggling young upside against the practical need for ready-made depth on the perimeter.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. framed Jones as a long-term project, with the rookies roster status to be sorted out after summer league. For players on the edge of the rotation, that timing can be important, and it leaves the Warriors with another decision to make as they sort through the final spots and decide which wings fit their immediate plans. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors May Be Signaling A Real Roster Shakeup Around Steph
Golden States offseason plan is starting to take shape around Steph Curry, and it sounds like the front office is looking to reshape the roster rather than simply tinker with the edges. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Warriors are aiming to add more help at guard and in the frontcourt, while also expecting Kristaps Porzingis back before free agency officially opens.
There are still some important calls hanging over the roster, though, with Draymond Green and DeAnthony Melton both facing player-option decisions by Monday afternoon. However those pieces fall, the direction is clear enough: the Warriors seem prepared to make real changes as they try to give Curry a more balanced supporting cast for another run. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Add Another Guard To A Search Fans Are Already Debating
The Warriors search for backcourt depth has turned up another name, and this one is drawing plenty of early conversation among fans looking for the next move. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Golden State has shown interest in free agent guard Brandon Williams, a cost-conscious option after his best scoring season with the Mavericks.
Williams averaged a career-high 13 points per game in Dallas last season, giving him at least a case as a player who can handle a larger role than the one he has had before. For a Warriors team still sorting through its guard options, the appeal is obvious: add another useful body, keep the bill manageable, and see whether the fit makes sense as the broader roster picture comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]