On January 7, 2025, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Miami Heat at Chase Center, hoping to take advantage of Jimmy Butler’s seven-game suspension.
However, despite this opportunity, the Warriors were handed a disappointing 98-114 loss. As Golden State continues to face challenges on and off the court, rumors regarding a potential trade for the 6x All-Star have fizzled out, with the team showing little interest in pursuing Butler anymore.
Recent reports suggest that the Warriors are no longer considering a trade for Jimmy Butler, despite previous speculation. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the team isn’t willing to meet Butler’s demands, particularly when it comes to a max extension. According to Amick, the Warriors are “not looking to make him a rental,” with no intention of bringing Butler in for a short-term stint.
Instead, Golden State seems to be content with its current roster. Andrew Wiggins has been performing admirably, and the team values his chemistry with both management and teammates. While Jonathan Kuminga’s season has been marred by injury, the Warriors have expressed their desire to keep him long-term, making the idea of trading him for Butler even less appealing.
Tension within the Warriors organization
Beyond trade rumors, the Warriors are also dealing with mounting internal tensions. Despite early optimism, the team’s performance has faltered, with the Warriors currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference.
The loss to the Heat served as a wake-up call, leading to a tense situation behind the scenes. According to Amick, following the game, owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. had a heated conversation at The Bridge Club, a location often used for post-game meetings.
As reported by Tim Kawaki of The San Francisco Standard, Lacob was the primary speaker during this exchange, and their discussion seemed far more intense than typical meetings. While the conversation wasn’t related to Jimmy Butler specifically, the tension underscores the difficult position the Warriors’ front office finds itself in as they navigate internal issues and a less-than-ideal season.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Warriors are faced with important decisions about the direction of their team. While Butler’s name has been linked to trade discussions, interest from teams around the league, including the Warriors, has cooled.
The Phoenix Suns are among the few teams still considering a move for Butler, but for now, the Warriors appear focused on resolving their internal struggles rather than making a major trade.
With their playoff hopes on the line, Golden State must find a way to right the ship, whether through roster changes or addressing internal conflicts. As the trade deadline nears, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Warriors handle this pivotal moment in their season.
