A little more than two months ago, the Warriors were 12-3 and looking like they might be able to compete in the Western Conference with depth around Stephen Curry, rather than with top-tier talent. Alas, they’ve gone 12-21 since, and Golden State is on the hunt for star power.
That was the original approach of the Warriors, who spent the offseason chasing big names like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen. And with the way things have gone lately, coach Steve Kerr says they’re firmly back in the hunt for another top talent on the trade market.
There is not, however, much available. That suits Golden State, because the Warriors don’t want to give up too much of their youth to make a deal work. But Kerr made clear this week that the Dubs are very much in pursuit of something, anything, to change their fortunes.
“We’ve shown we do not have enough to separate ourselves from the rest of the West. I think the point is, we’re not in a position where we can say, ‘No, we’re good. Let’s stand pat.’ That’s the reality of where we are,” Kerr said.
The most realistic target for the Warriors is Heat star Jimmy Butler, whose ongoing suspension means that Miami has no option but to trade him ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. That has drastically driven down his price. The Warriors have recently been more active in their pursuit of Butler.
Butler and the Heat have been at loggerheads over the fact that the team does not want to give him an extension–he is in the final year of his contract, but has a $52 million opt-in for next season–and one issue for the Warriors (or any team that wants to trade for him) will be that he’ll take his desire for an extension along with him.
The Warriors can deal for Butler, who has two Finals appearances and 119 playoff games to his credit, without giving up much. But he only would be worth the gamble if they can be certain he will go full-bore even without an extension,.
Also on the radar: Bulls star Zach LaVine, who has been less of a headache than Butler in his career, but who has not had the history of playoff performance that Butler has. LaVine has appeared in four postseason games. He has two years and $95 million on his contract.