Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green isn't sweating the fact his name was floated in rumors prior to the team reportedly agreeing to a trade for Jimmy Butler.

"Ninety-five percent of the things you worry about never come true," he told The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "If (I did get traded), then it just is what it is. My worries ain't stopping it. So I wasn't worried at all. I've been in a place of uncertainty overall. But what's going to be is going to be. To sit and worry about it, this life is hard enough to worry about what you can't control."

The four-time All-Star also downplayed any concerns over how he and Butler, two stars with big personalities, will mesh on the same team.

"He win? I win? That's the fit. Winners win," Green said. "He's a winner. Perennial All-Star. Tough as nails. Just f--king get the job done however it needs to be done."

If if were that simple, the Warriors' roster and on-court fortunes might look a lot different right now.

The shared goal of winning a title wasn't enough to keep Green and Kevin Durant on the same page. Their relationship became strained as Durant's tenure in Golden State unfolded, and their 2018 argument created wider problems within the organization.

There was also the physical altercation with Green and Jordan Poole during a practice in 2022, another moment that lingered long after it happened.

ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk wrote in January how Green gained a different perspective while he served an indefinite suspension last season. Attending therapy sessions and having regular meetings with NBA officials were part of his punishment, and the 34-year-old said those were invaluable toward bettering himself.

NBA fans might soon discover whether all of that work stuck.

Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the same team, Steve Kerr gonna need a therapist.

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 6, 2025

Warriors big man Kevon Looney, for his part, pointed out to Slater the four-time All-Star has successfully coexisted with other teammates who were equally self-assured and determined.

"Guys like that who are dogs, alpha males, they respect other people like that," Looney said. "They kind of stay out of each other's way. Draymond is a great connector. He's a great leader. He makes things happen on the floor and off the court."

Golden State better hope this works because general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. may not have many remaining avenues to improve the roster to a significant degree.

In tandem with the trade, the Warriors also agreed to an extension with Butler that keeps him under contract through 2026-27. They're banking on the six-time All-Star to be the piece that guides them to another championship.

Rival teams reportedly weren't eager to do a solid for the Golden State Warriors ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II wrote that other franchises were not "eager to trade one of their superstars to Golden State," citing the Warriors' inability to land Paul George or Lauri Markkanen in the offseason.

Thompson reflected that Jimmy Butler was in a similar bind as opportunities outside of the Miami Heat quickly dried up. As a result, he and the Warriors "looked around at their options and saw they were the only lonely ones in the club."

Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that Golden State is acquiring the six-time All-Star in a four-team swap that will see Andrew Wiggins head to Miami.

It's no secret that Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. hoped to land Kevin Durant before setting his sights on Butler. Windhorst reported the Warriors, Heat and Phoenix Suns were in discussions on a trade that would've seen Durant in the Bay Area and Butler in Phoenix.

"This was close to being Jimmy Butler in Phoenix and Kevin Durant in Golden State." 😯

—@WindhorstESPN on Jimmy Butler being traded to Golden State pic.twitter.com/wOXJcSuJBA

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 6, 2025

Warriors team governor Joe Lacob has received plenty of mockery over the years for his 2016 comments that the organization was "light years ahead of probably every other team." The Butler trade further brings into focus the folly of assuming the good times would keep rolling in perpetuity for Golden State.

As with every dynasty throughout sports history, the Warriors weren't immune from a decline and they have been left scrambling to account for the decline of the stars responsible for their success. As Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson aged, it became harder and harder to contend for a championship.

It's a sign of the front office's desperation that it's not only trading for Butler but also reportedly giving him a two-year, $111 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2026-27.

This might be Dunleavy's last roll of the dice to get Curry and Green one more title.

Before the Golden State Warriors pivoted Wednesday to a trade for former Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler, forward Jonathan Kuminga reportedly thought he was headed to the Phoenix Suns in a deal for Kevin Durant.

Speaking Wednesday night on Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective (beginning at the 18:40 mark), ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said he believes Kuminga would have been included in a trade for Durant:

Windhorst then added that Kuminga and his camp thought "for a minute" that they were Phoenix bound.

While the Warriors looked into the possibility of a reunion with Durant, who helped lead the team to a pair of championships during his three-year run with the organization from 2016 to 2019, nothing came to fruition.

ESPN's Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk reported Wednesday that KD had "no desire" to return to Golden State.

With a Durant trade off the table, the Warriors shifted their focus to Butler and landed him in a four-team deal.

The Warriors acquired Butler and reportedly will sign him to a two-year, $111 million contract extension, sending Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a protected 2025 first-round pick to the Heat, Dennis Schröder to the Utah Jazz and Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons.

Golden State has a veteran core of Butler, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in place, but Kuminga remains the team's best young player.

Selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA draft, the 22-year-old Kuminga is in the midst of his fourth NBA season.

After primarily coming off the bench over his first two campaigns, he broke out last season with 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 52.9 percent from the field.

Kuminga's efficiency has dipped this season, as he is shooting just 45.9 percent from the floor, but he has set or matched career highs thus far with 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 three-pointers made per contest.

He has been out of action since suffering a sprained ankle on Jan. 4, and on Jan. 27, the Warriors announced he would be re-evaluated in two weeks.

While Kuminga is still with the Warriors for now, his future is far from certain, as he is set to become a restricted free agent during the offseason.

The Golden State Warriors set their sights on Kevin Durant before pivoting to a deal with the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Charania reported on SportsCenter the Phoenix Suns "had discussions with the Warriors about [Durant], and that's who the Warriors wanted," only to be rebuffed.

"Sources told me that Kevin Durant made clear in league circles he had no desire to go back to the Warriors," Charania said.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN added Thursday on Get Up a general trade framework was in place between Golden State, Phoenix and Miami:

"This was close to being Jimmy Butler in Phoenix and Kevin Durant in Golden State." 😯

—@WindhorstESPN on Jimmy Butler being traded to Golden State pic.twitter.com/wOXJcSuJBA

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 6, 2025

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Monday the Warriors were worried about the 14-time All-Star's "true willingness to return to the Bay Area for a second engagement after no shortage of tumult during his highly successful first stint."

A day later, Stein and Fischer followed up to write, "It is believed that Durant has some serious reservations about a second Warriors stint if he were to be shipped there."

In general, the narrative remained the same as Golden State's pursuit for a marquee star intensified.

Durant had a prolific run with the Warriors. He won a pair of championships and was the NBA Finals MVP in each of those title triumphs.

For as much grief as the 36-year-old got for joining a 73-win team in 2016, it became clear over time he was far more than a luxury for Golden State. The franchise needed him to stay on top in the Western Conference and maintain its edge on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the East.

But Durant ultimately left the Warriors for multiple reasons. His relationship with Draymond Green had become strained, and their argument in 2018 opened up some wider fissures. He was never as beloved by fans as Green, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were, either.

A lot has changed since Durant's departure during the summer of 2019, so the general dynamic with him in the Bay Area probably might've been different this time around.

But nobody should be too shocked he steered clear of a return.

Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry reportedly came to the realization recently that a reunion with Kevin Durant wasn't in the cards after speaking to the Phoenix Suns star.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Curry and KD had a conversation in the past several days, and over the course of their talk, Curry became convinced that Durant returning to Golden State was "extremely unlikely."

Per Slater, a team source added that the Warriors front office "underestimated" the "coldness" Durant had toward the idea of rejoining the Warriors.

Durant, 36, spent three highly productive seasons in Golden State from 2016 to 2019 before leaving to sign with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency.

During his three-year stint with the Dubs, KD was a three-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, twice beating out LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.

While the Warriors had recently been exploring the possibility of bringing Durant back into the fold, ESPN's Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk reported Wednesday that KD had no interest in a reunion.

With a Durant trade gaining no traction, the Warriors turned their attention elsewhere Wednesday by completing a four-team trade that landed them veteran wing Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.

Golden State sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a protected 2025 first-round pick to Miami, Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz and Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons as part of the deal.

As Charania and Brian Windhorst reported, the Warriors will sign Butler to a two-year, $111 million contract extension, meaning they are set to move forward with a core that includes veterans Curry, Butler and Draymond Green, as well as up-and-comers such as Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Entering play Thursday, the Warriors and Suns both sit at 25-25 on the season, putting them on the playoff fringes.

The Nos. 7 through 10 seeds at the end of the regular-season play in the postseason play-in tournament, and as of right now, the Suns own the No. 10 seed and the Warriors are in 11th based on tiebreakers.

It is still possible Durant could be dealt prior to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, but with KD reportedly turning down the chance to go to Golden State, it suggests that he wants to remain in Phoenix alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reflected on the realities of the NBA after the team agreed to trade Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in a sprawling deal that brings Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.

ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported Wednesday the Warriors are acquiring Butler from the Heat in a move that includes the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons.

Addressing the trade after Golden State's 131-128 loss to the Jazz, Kerr called Wiggins "one of my favorite players I've ever coached" and praised the veteran forward's contributions to the Warriors' 2022 championship.

Steve Kerr on Andrew Wiggins: “Just had a baby boy last week. Girls in school. Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a wonderful soul. We don’t hang that banner in ‘22 without him…I’m gonna miss him.” pic.twitter.com/jR28a2SPQd

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025

"You develop these relationships with guys," he said. "They give you everything and commit to the team. They got families. Wigs just had a baby boy last week. Wigs is one of my favorite players I've ever coached. Just a beautiful soul, a wonderful human being. We don't hang that banner in '22 without him. Everything he brings, every single day, the laughter, the smile, the joy. Just a wonderful human being, so I'm gonna miss him."

It always seemed likely Golden State would make changes to maximize Stephen Curry's shrinking window, and eventually it became inevitable that the core trio of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green would be broken up. That came to fruition when Thompson departed the Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal in the offseason, joining the Dallas Mavericks.

That left the Warriors with a few options. Chris Paul's contract made him either a natural trade chip in the pursuit of another star or a release candidate, given his contract was non-guaranteed. The Warriors went with the latter.

The team's young players, namely Jonathan Kuminga, also held value on the market. But if they were dealt, it was going to be as part of a package deal. Losing Kuminga wouldn't have been ideal.

Enter Wiggins, who is still in his prime at 29, has a moveable contract ($26.2 million in 2024-25, $28.2 million in 2025-26 and a $30.1 million player option in 2026-27) and is a solid player, albeit one who saw his role diminish in Golden State last season.

Wiggins averaged just 13.2 points per game and shot 35.8 percent from three. He was excellent to start his career in Golden State and was a key piece in the team's NBA title in the 2021-22 season, but that player didn't show up for the Dubs last season. He has been better this year, however (17.6 PPG).

It was time to shake up the core group around Curry and Wiggins was the next natural domino to fall.

With the Warriors involving themselves in the Butler saga, Wiggins made sense as one of the players to head back to Miami. He'll see a bigger offensive role with the Heat, pairing with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro as Miami looks to fight its way into the playoffs.

Stephen Curry is hoping the Jimmy Butler drama is over following the former Miami Heat forward's trade to the Golden State Warriors.

Butler waived his 2025-26 player option and signed a two-year extension as part of the multi-team trade that sent him to the Warriors, ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported Wednesday night.

The trade news broke just before Curry and the Warriors played the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Curry said after the Warriors loss that he texted Butler at halftime, and that Butler sent him "a very pleasant message" in response.

"I understand there's a lot of drama down there, and who really knows what the story is," Curry said after the loss. "We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy that's ready to impact our team for the better."

Steph Curry on Jimmy Butler: “I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is. We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy.”

Curry text Butler at halftime tonight to welcome him. Butler text a “pleasant” message back. pic.twitter.com/w9deX8Ohdg

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025

When asked how the team could make the new addition a "drama-free situation," Curry said Butler's extension was an indication the discontented Heat star would fit it in with the Warriors.

"Him signing an extension is big, knowing he's committed for this next little run, and we've got to figure it out," Curry said.

Steph Curry on the belief that the Warriors can integrate Jimmy Butler in a drama-free environment: “Him signing an extension is big, knowing he’s committed for this next little run.” pic.twitter.com/DkrcNB40Gm

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr meanwhile said processing trade news that involved the departures of Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and Dennis Schröder just before tip-off was difficult for both himself and his team.

"I think the league should consider making the trade deadline at the All-Star break, just so you don't have to face these games where guys are getting traded half an hour before a game, and you're trying to process the emotions and trying to win a game," Kerr said. "I don't know if it's possible, but it would be great if we could move it back, or make the last couple of days before the deadline off days."

"These are tough days for sure."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr weighs in on the challenges of the NBA trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/QIglHi6dBT

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 6, 2025

Butler has played just five games since Dec. 20 amid a public split from the Heat that led to three separate suspensions by the team. But Curry expressed hope the Warriors could "feed off the energy of something new" once he returns to the court.

"It'll look different than what we're used to," Curry said. "I mean, he can show a little bit of emotion, but he's a shot creator, a finisher, someone who you have to take into account no matter where he is on the floor."

Curry concluded: "I'm going to watch a lot of, whenever there's time, I'll watch a lot of Miami film to understand some of the sets they like to run for him, and see what we can transition to our playbook."

The Warriors, who haven't strung together three straight wins since November, currently sit just behind the Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference's 10th seed.

The team was reportedly interested in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Suns before Durant told his team he didn't want to come to Golden State, according to Charania and Windhorst. The Warriors will now hope the acquisition of Butler can help the team beat out Durant and the Suns for the final play-in spot in the West.

Joining a new team means a number change for Jimmy Butler.

Butler, who was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, will wear No. 10 for his new squad, per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Butler's former No. 22 would presumably be available since Andrew Wiggins was traded to the Heat as part of the deal, but perhaps he felt it was time for a change.

Butler wore No. 21 with the Chicago Bulls, No. 23 with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers and was No. 22 for six years in Miami. It will take fans some time to get used to seeing the six-time All-Star rocking both a Warriors jersey and his new number.

Butler hasn't had the best year, albeit he's played just 25 games. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season at just 17 points per game and he's adding 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

He was clearly not happy in Miami, though, and joining a new squad could be exactly what Butler needs to get back on track.

The Warriors seem to have confidence Butler can return to All-Star form, as they gave up a hefty haul for him. Golden State gave up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindsey Waters III and a protected first-round pick in the deal. Wiggins and Anderson are heading to Miami, Schröder will join the Utah Jazz and Waters is now with the Detroit Pistons.

Trading for an aging star like Butler might be a bit of a risk for the Warriors, but they needed to make a splash at the deadline to reroute their season. Golden State is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24 but will soon look to surge behind a revamped roster.

Jimmy Butler has spent most of his career in the East, but now the star is heading West.

The Miami Heat traded Butler to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, a month after the disgruntled star first requested a trade. Butler reacted to the move accordingly on social media.

"Welcome to the wild wild west," he said on X.

welcome to the wild wild west 🎶 pic.twitter.com/dTh3njwWeX

— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) February 6, 2025

Jimmy is ready for the West 🤠 pic.twitter.com/Pqd9JfXs1r

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 6, 2025

Butler, who started his career with the Chicago Bulls, had a short stint in the Western Conference, joining the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the 2017-18 season but departing midway through the 2018-19 season in a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, he's remained in the Eastern Conference.

Butler appears to be embracing the trade to the Warriors, which comes as a bit of a surprise considering most reports indicated his desired trade destination was the Phoenix Suns. ESPN's Brian Windhorst even reported on Sunday that Butler "communicated to the Warriors that he's unwilling to sign an extension."

His thought process clearly changed in a matter of days, as he ended up signing a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors after the trade, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Butler hasn't had his best season thus far, putting up 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season. There's still plenty of season left, though, and Butler could end up returning to his All-Star form soon after joining his new squad.

The Warriors will need the best version of Butler to stay in the playoff race. Golden State is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24.

The Jimmy Butler saga is finally, and mercifully, over.

The Miami Heat have traded him to the Golden State Warriors as part of a five-team deal, with the Warriors giving up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Lindy Waters III, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

FULL FIVE-TEAM TRADE 🤯

Warriors
• Jimmy Butler

Heat
• Andrew Wiggins
• PJ Tucker
• protected first-round pick

Pistons
• Lindy Waters
• Josh Richardson

Jazz
• Dennis Schroder

Raptors
• Kyle Anderson

per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/97zvwRaDQt

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) February 6, 2025

The Warriors sent a 2025 top-10 protected first rounder to the Heat as part of the Jimmy Butler trade, per sources. If it doesn’t convey this season (it likely will), it turns into a top-10 protected first rounder next season.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025

Butler also landed a lucrative contract extension as part of the arrangement, per Shams:

New Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler has agreed to a new two-year, $121 million extension with the franchise through 2026-27, sources tell me and @WindhorstESPN. Butler is declining his 2025-26 player option for this new $121M deal.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

And so ends what had become an epic, and tiresome, showdown between the Heat and Butler that included fines, indefinite suspensions and enough trade rumors to last a lifetime.

But now Butler will be joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the Dubs look to resurrect their title hopes, with social media offering a wide array of responses to the blockbuster deal:

JIMMY BUTLER'S TIME IN MIAMI COMES TO AN END 😳

Shams knew he wanted out all along 😅 pic.twitter.com/aR1jhgMzQh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 6, 2025

Well, the Warriors got Jimmy. Him as a screener, cutter, post player will be interesting. Wonder how the usage goes but I get the swing. Miami has some added depth, I think those guys fit what Miami likes to do. https://t.co/gMAsWAuixJ

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) February 6, 2025

Warriors before the Jimmy Butler trade vs Warriors after the Jimmy Butler trade pic.twitter.com/RqVmosi8Md

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) February 6, 2025

Jimmy to the warriors I like this

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) February 6, 2025

I don't have an NFL comp for the Jimmy Butler trade, and I really don't have an in-depth idea of what Golden State's roster looks like, but I know this:

Trying to close out Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler late in close playoff games is not going to be easy for anyone.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) February 6, 2025

Jimmy Butler told his boss he didn't want to work there anymore so they gave him six weeks paid vacation and then sent him to a new company that gave him $121 million. Jimmy Butler is the American Dream.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) February 6, 2025

It is fairly amazing that Jimmy pulled all of this off.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 6, 2025

And Jimmy wins …

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 6, 2025

Warriors still probably one or two moves away from any serious playoff discussion. I just dont like the roster’s fit right now, especially when Kuminga returns.

Maybe not yet done?

— Kevin Cruz (@Chef_Cruz2K) February 6, 2025

Warriors finally got a number 2

— Sramirez (@SEBASTI98352775) February 6, 2025

Jimmy butler to the warriors kinda tough

— 410🤝🏾 (@410__mya) February 6, 2025

The Butler trade is the right move for the Warriors. At least gives them a chance the next 2 years. But sad to see Wiggins go. He was having a good season and will always be a Warriors favorite after the 22 championship.

— Tim Bartholomew (@tim_bartholomew) February 6, 2025

The Warriors are a fascinating team.

On the one hand, they desperately needed a true No. 2 option on offense behind Curry, and Butler is more than capable of scratching that itch. He'll provide solid secondary playmaking and defense, and his experience in the playoffs—and his shot-making in the clutch—will make the Warriors dangerous in late-game scenarios, given Curry's proficiency in those moments as well.

But there are some potential fit issues. Green has traditionally been the secondary playmaker for this offense, a role that should shift more to Butler. There are also some floor-spacing concerns, given that Butler isn't a natural catch-and-shoot player, and Green's issues from the perimeter are well known. And both Butler and Green are fiery personalities, so there are some vibe questions to be answered as well.

But the Warriors needed to take a gamble with Curry's prime years dwindling, and Butler is an improvement over the players they gave up. Whether it's enough to catapult the team into contender status remains to be seen.