Just when the Golden State Warriors seemed to be building momentum heading into the All-Star break, they were dealt a significant blow. On Monday, the Warriors secured a convincing 135-112 win over the Miami Heat with strong performances from Brandin Podziemski and Steph Curry. It marked their fourth straight victory but also came at a price perhaps too heavy to pay.
During the third quarter, Jimmy Butler suffered a serious knee injury, landing awkwardly after catching a pass and immediately clutching his right leg. He was helped off the court and later underwent an MRI, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the injury is a season-ending torn right ACL.
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The news is a massive blow for Golden State, which leaned on Butler’s two-way impact since he joined the team in February. But beyond his production on the court, Butler’s absence also carries long-term implications.
The six-time All-Star, who turns 37 in September, remains on a significant contract, earning $54.1 million this season with $56.8 million due next year, per Spotrac. With Butler sidelined and the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the Warriors are forced into a pivotal evaluation of their roster and direction.
That includes the future of Jonathan Kuminga, who requested a trade on Thursday after he became eligible. Following Monday’s win, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed the Warriors could turn to Kuminga for an expanded role. But that plan is complicated by lingering tension.
On Tuesday, Charania reported that Kuminga’s relationship with Kerr is “fractured beyond repair.” Charania confirmed the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings have emerged as teams showing interest in the 2021 No. 7 overall pick.
Charania also floated a potential return piece for a deal with the Kings: DeMar DeRozan, a veteran wing who could pair with Curry and help fill the offensive void left by Butler.
Currently averaging 19 points on 50.8% FG, DeRozan’s experience and scoring ability, even at 36, could be a fit alongside Curry. However, DeRozan’s current contract, which will pay him $24.7 million this year, could be a major factor in any trade calculus.
With just 16 days until the trade deadline, the Warriors face perhaps their most consequential decision of the season yet. Do they stand pat and lean on Kuminga despite the tension?
Do they pursue a trade to bring in a seasoned scorer like DeRozan? Or do they explore other avenues to support Curry and maintain a window of contention even without Butler? For a franchise built around a championship window with Curry at the helm, the next few days will be defining.
Golden State (25-19, eighth in Western Conference) host one of DeRozan's former teams, the Toronto Raptors, at 10 p.m. ET Tuesday.