The Golden State Warriors had a disappointing season in 2023-24, missing the playoffs with a 46-36 record. The team realized they needed to make some changes to maximize the skills of 10-time All-Star Stephen Curry. Curry, who continues to be a lethal shooter, had a strong season, averaging 26.4 points per game. His longtime backcourt mate Klay Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks, and the Warriors brought in Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson to replace him.
The Warriors attempted to acquire top trade targets Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, but both ultimately signed large contracts with other teams. George signed a four-year, $211.6 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, while Markkanen inked a four-year, $195.9 million extension with the Utah Jazz. Despite missing out on these players, the Warriors are still looking to make moves to improve their roster.
One potential trade target for the Warriors this summer is Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler. Butler, who is a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA honoree, has a player option for the 2025-26 season, making him a potential free agent. The 35-year-old swingman is known for his passion and elite two-way play, making him an enticing option for Golden State. Butler has helped lead the Heat to the NBA Finals in recent years and remains a strong postseason performer.
The Warriors are rumored to have interest in Butler, with reports suggesting that they may have reached out during the summer to inquire about a potential trade. Butler’s contract situation and his performance on the court make him an intriguing target for Golden State as they look to strengthen their roster. With the departure of Thompson and the need for additional talent to support Curry, acquiring a player of Butler’s caliber could help the Warriors improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.
Despite missing out on their top trade targets, the Warriors are not giving up on pursuing big-name players to bolster their lineup. With Curry still performing at a high level and the team looking to make a deep playoff run, adding a player like Butler could significantly impact the team’s chances. As they continue to explore potential trade options and roster enhancements, the Warriors remain focused on building a competitive team that can contend for a championship.
