The Warriors are ready to deal their 2025 first-round pick – but only for the right star to pair with Steph Curry before next week’s trade deadline.
It’s a big shift in strategy for Golden State, who’ve been pretty protective of their draft assets lately.
Team insiders told The Athletic that the Warriors have been quietly shopping the pick around the league as a sweetener in potential deals. They’re not too worried about giving it up since they’re not excited about the players likely to be available late in that draft anyway.
“If we can get a real difference-maker, that pick is in play,” one source close to the negotiations said.
Here’s what makes this interesting: The pick comes with protections, which means the Warriors wouldn’t lose it if they end up having a really bad season and land in the lottery. Pretty smart insurance policy.
And there might already be a target in mind.
Jimmy Butler’s name has popped up again in Warriors trade rumors, according to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor. The Miami Heat star would definitely bring some scoring punch to Golden State’s lineup.
But Butler comes with baggage. He’s been suspended three times this season by the Heat for various issues, including storming out of practice.
Then again, the Warriors aren’t exactly strangers to strong personalities – they’ve managed Draymond Green’s intensity for years.
If they can’t land Butler, don’t be surprised if the Warriors pivot to other stars. They’re clearly in win-now mode with the 35-year-old Curry still playing at an elite level.
The trade deadline hits February 6th, and Golden State’s front office is working the phones. With that protected first-rounder now officially available, things could get interesting in the Bay Area.
