The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads-and not for the first time in this dynastic era. With Jimmy Butler now sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL, the franchise’s ambitious push to keep its championship window open alongside Steph Curry just hit a major roadblock.
The injury to Butler, who had only recently joined the Warriors in a bold midseason move, has thrown a wrench into Golden State’s plans. The goal remains the same: give Curry, a four-time NBA champion and still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league, another real shot at a title. But now, the front office is being forced to pivot quickly and creatively.
Trade Talk Heating Up
Naturally, the Butler injury has reignited trade chatter. One name that’s surfaced?
DeMar DeRozan. ESPN’s Shams Charania floated the idea of the Warriors engaging the Sacramento Kings in a potential deal that would send DeRozan to the Bay in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga.
“Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler?” Charania asked on air.
And it’s a fair question. DeRozan brings a midrange game that could complement Curry’s perimeter dominance, and he’s a veteran who’s been through playoff wars.
But the real question may not be about DeRozan-it’s about Kuminga.
The 21-year-old forward, who has shown flashes of star potential, is suddenly at the center of Golden State’s identity crisis. With Butler out, the Warriors are about to learn what they really have in Kuminga-and whether they’re willing to move on from him to stay in the win-now lane.
Another Familiar Face in the Mix?
While DeRozan is one option, Marc Stein has floated another intriguing possibility: a reunion with Andrew Wiggins. According to Stein, league sources say the Warriors could explore a Kuminga-for-Wiggins swap with the Miami Heat, who acquired Wiggins in the Butler deal last February.
Bringing Wiggins back wouldn’t just be a nostalgia play. The former All-Star was a key piece of Golden State’s 2022 championship run and knows Steve Kerr’s system inside and out.
He’s a two-way wing who can guard multiple positions, fit into the team’s motion offense, and slide seamlessly into the rotation. If the Warriors want to keep their competitive edge without a major learning curve, Wiggins might be the cleanest fit.
Complicating Factors: Kuminga’s Health and Trade Demand
Of course, it’s not just Butler who’s hurt. Kuminga exited Thursday’s game against the Mavericks after an awkward landing, adding another layer of uncertainty to his trade value.
And that’s not the only complication-Kuminga formally requested a trade on January 15, the first day he became eligible to be moved. But so far, the market hasn’t exactly been banging down Golden State’s door.
General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. addressed the situation candidly after Butler’s injury: “In terms of demands, when you make a demand, there needs to be demand... on the market. We’ll see how that unfolds.”
It’s a blunt but honest assessment. Kuminga has talent, no doubt, but his development has been uneven, and his trade request may have cooled interest around the league. For the Warriors, that means they might not have the leverage they hoped for in potential deals.
Curry Keeps the Faith
Despite the setbacks, there’s still belief inside the locker room-and it starts with Steph Curry. After dropping 38 points and hitting over 53% from three in a 123-115 loss to the Mavericks, Curry made it clear he’s not throwing in the towel.
“As long as I’m out there, I’m always confident we can win,” Curry said.
That’s the kind of mindset you expect from a generational leader. And while the Warriors couldn’t secure the win against Dallas, Curry’s performance was a reminder that as long as No. 30 is suiting up, Golden State has a puncher’s chance.
Where Things Stand
The Warriors are in a tough spot-no question. Butler’s injury stings, Kuminga’s future is in limbo, and the trade deadline is inching closer.
But the franchise still has one of the greatest players in NBA history playing at an elite level. Whether they swing a deal for DeRozan, reunite with Wiggins, or roll the dice with the current roster, the next few weeks will be pivotal.
Golden State’s front office has a decision to make: double down on this season or recalibrate for the long haul. Either way, the clock is ticking-and Steph Curry is still giving them a reason to believe.