Warriors’ Plan To Add Jimmy Butler, LeBron James Before NBA Trade Deadline
Warriors’ Plan To Add Jimmy Butler, LeBron James Before NBA Trade Deadline
The Golden State Warriors started off the season in extremely impressive fashion. Unfortunately, Stephen Curry and Co. have cooled since then.
Because of that, rumors are circulating that the team is preparing to make a massive move. Or two massive moves, to be exact.
In recent days the Warriors were listed as one of four NBA teams Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler would welcome a trade to.
Golden State could realistically facilitate this deal by sending over some combination of Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, Kevon Looney, Lindy Waters III and draft capital to Miami.
But the work wouldn’t end there.
Lakers Looking To Add 2 Superstars Ahead Of NBA Trade Deadline https://t.co/BmC5lxcyOb
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 14, 2024
In recent days, LeBron James has taken a mysterious leave of absence from the Los Angeles Lakers. He is now refusing to return to the team.
Speculation has ramped up that he may be trying to force his way out of town.
Last year, the Warriors made a heavy push to acquire James. History could repeat itself this season.
If Golden State acquires Butler for the package noted above, that still leaves them with ample assets to go after James (and his son, Bronny James).
Travis Hunter Urged To Dump Girlfriend After Concerning Video Surfaces: https://t.co/MUvMOghiEo
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 14, 2024
The Warriors could theoretically offer some combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson, Gui Santos, Trayce Jackson-Davis and additional draft capital to L.A.
While these two trades would leave the Warriors a bit thin in terms of reserves, it would simultaneously allow them to have a terrifying starting lineup.
The core five would be Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James and Draymond Green.
Not too shabby.
The risk, of course, is that all these older players will break down as the season chugs along and Golden State won’t have the bench necessary to take pressure off their stars.
As things presently stand the Warriors are 14-10. That puts them fifth in the West. They seem good enough to hover around the middle of the conference, but not good enough to legitimately compete for a championship.
Butler and James could change that.
High-risk, high-reward moves are what turn contenders into champions. Whether the Warriors are willing to push their chips to the center of the table remains to be seen, though.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
