February 5 – It is evident the Warriors needed to make a trade this season if they wanted to compete for a championship. They did not make any moves last year and were eliminated in the Play-in Tournament by the Sacramento Kings after they fought through their final games to earn that spot.
Once the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade occurred, any star player can be traded at any moment, and teams are willing to sell a lot (or a little) to get the player they want. In this case, the Warriors moved several guys, including Andrew Wiggins, to get Jimmy Butler into the Bay Area.
Earlier this week, multiple rumors stated the Warriors were heavily trying to persuade Kevin Durant to return to the Bay Area. Unfortunately, Durant shut down that option, and it looks like he will remain with the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors openly expressed their interest in Butler, Zach LaVine, and other players who had been moved long before the Durant rumors started this week. The funny thing is, Butler and the Warriors also shared that they did not want to join forces, and Butler wanted to join the Suns. Now, they are on the same team. Many of these conversations are bits and pieces of information quickly spread around the internet so we take these assumptions with a grain of salt.
Are the Warriors now playoff contenders?
Maybe. Although they played shorthanded in tonight’s loss to the Jazz 131-128, (when the Dubs led by 11 points), the team obviously needs some help.
Butler has had his ups and downs with his previous four NBA teams, which makes this signing feel a little risky. But we can all agree making this trade gives the Warriors a shot at competing. Butler will be a great addition to both sides of the ball, giving Stephen Curry the chance to compete again. Which is the goal of this franchise before Curry retires. After all he has done for the Warriors it would feel wrong not to give him another shot at a fifth title.
If you are a fan of basketball, you are a fan of Curry in the playoffs. It feels incomplete without 30 on the floor during clutch moments. Although the new starting trio are all in their 30s, the addition of Butler gives the Warriors an edge.
He is a great defensive addition with Green on the floor, and we’ve seen Playoff Butler heat up when it matters most. The Dubs need to make a major push after the All-Star break to move up in the competitive Western Conference and possibly avoid the Play-In game at all costs. Hopefully, we can see a preview of what this new team will look like next week.
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