The Golden State Warriors are looking to get themselves back to the promised land after missing the postseason entirely last year. Golden State lost former All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson this offseason but quickly pivoted to add more depth across the roster.
Armed with star point guard Steph Curry and big man Draymond Green, Golden State feels good about its chances this season. They have started 4-1 on the year but have already seen Curry go down with an injury.
The Warriors know that they may need to improve the team if they want a realistic chance at winning another title. The team has a few strong trade pieces to work with and they could be very active at the trade deadline.
Probably the biggest piece that they have is forward Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has emerged over the past few years for the Warriors but failed to come to terms on a contract extension in time for this season’s deadline, meaning he’ll become a restricted free agent this summer.
More news: Warriors Could Have Competition From East Team For Upcoming Free Agent Star
Sam Amick and John Hollinger of The Athletic are reporting that the Warriors may be more open to moving Kuminga now more than ever.
They also have reported that Golden State is monitoring veteran Miami Heat All-Star small forward Jimmy Butler.
“Yet while rival executives believe the Warriors are more willing than ever to include Kuminga in a trade of significant magnitude, the fact remains that they’re setting their sights very high in terms of possible targets,” Amick and Hollinger write. “One name to monitor is Jimmy Butler, the 35-year-old Miami Heat star who league sources say drew interest from the Warriors during the offseason and who did not come to terms on an extension. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.”
If the Warriors were to land Butler, it could vastly enhance their title chances. Butler almost made his way out of Miami this offseason, but no trade has come down.
He is scheduled to make $48.7 million this season before having a player option for $52 million next year. The Warriors could include Kuminga in any deal for Butler, sweetening the pot for the Heat.
Landing Butler would be an all-in type of move for the Warriors since he is 35 years old. But the six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA honoree could fit in nicely alongside Green and Curry.
So far this season, the Marquette product is averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Butler has seemed to elevate his game during the postseason and could be a strong addition to the Warriors if a deal went down.
It remains to be seen how Golden State will shape out its roster, but Butler would certainly be an intriguing two-way fit.
For more Warriors and NBA news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesDetails of the sticking point in contract extension negotiations between the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga
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