The Golden State Warriors are staring down a pivotal stretch leading into next month’s trade deadline, and the situation just got a whole lot more complicated. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL, the Warriors are left not only missing a key piece on the floor but also facing a massive decision off it: Do they hold onto Butler as he rehabs, or consider moving him if the right opportunity arises?
Right now, the expectation is that Butler stays put. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has publicly signaled that the team doesn’t plan to move the six-time All-Star, and that sentiment has been echoed by multiple reports. But in the NBA, especially when you're trying to maximize the tail end of a generational superstar’s prime, plans can shift quickly.
Enter Stephen Curry.
At 38, Curry is still playing at an elite level, but the window for championship contention is narrowing. With Butler out, the Warriors’ title hopes this season take a major hit.
But if there’s a potential trade out there that can bring in another top-tier star - someone who can immediately elevate Golden State’s chances - Curry may have to do more than just lace up his sneakers. He might need to pick up the phone.
According to reporting from Jake Fischer, Golden State isn’t actively shopping Butler. But they would consider a deal - and a big one - if a star player made it known they want to team up with Curry.
That’s the key here: the Warriors aren’t looking to move Butler just to shake things up. They’re only interested if the return is a bona fide game-changer.
And let’s be real: there aren’t many players who fit that bill. But two names have been floated that absolutely would - Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.
Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee has been the subject of increasing speculation. If the two-time MVP were to express interest in joining forces with Curry, you can bet the Warriors would be all-in. That’s the kind of move that doesn’t just keep the championship window open - it blows the hinges off.
LeBron, meanwhile, is another intriguing possibility. He and Curry have a well-documented mutual respect, and Draymond Green’s relationship with James adds another layer of connectivity. LeBron’s presence would be seismic - not just from a basketball standpoint, but culturally and commercially as well.
Of course, these are monumental hypotheticals. But they underscore just how high the bar is for Golden State to even entertain the idea of moving Butler.
This isn’t about blowing it up or hitting the reset button. This is about maximizing every ounce of what Curry still has to give - and giving him the best possible shot at ring number five.
If that means Curry stepping into the role of recruiter, so be it. He’s done it before.
And if the Warriors are going to make a serious push this season, it might take more than just his brilliance on the court. It might take a little behind-the-scenes magic, too.