Warriors weigh Butler’s ACL loss as trade deadline approaches
warriors-weigh-butler-acl-loss-as-trade-deadline-approaches
The Golden State Warriors are adjusting to life without Jimmy Butler after the 36-year-old forward suffered a season-ending torn ACL, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Butler’s injury has hit the locker room hard, with Stephen Curry skipping interviews after Tuesday’s loss to Toronto while he processed the news.
“It’s obviously a tough situation,” Curry said Thursday in Dallas following a defeat to the Mavericks. “First and foremost, you think about [Butler] and his recovery and his spirits … Basketball-wise, we have to make the necessary adjustments to keep a semblance of our identity.”
Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that Curry was “crushed” by the development. The team’s front office has assured Butler it wants him back next season once he completes rehab and is not considering trading him, Stein reports.
Deadline plans center on Kuminga
With the February 5 trade deadline nearing, Golden State is prioritizing a possible deal involving Jonathan Kuminga, league sources told Stein. Before the 23-year-old sprained his ankle and bruised his knee Thursday, the Warriors intended to expand his minutes to boost his market value. Kuminga will miss Saturday’s game in Minnesota because of left knee soreness, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
The Warriors are also exploring a reunion with former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins and have discussed sending Kuminga to Miami to acquire him, Stein adds. Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary exceeds Kuminga’s $22.5 million, and Golden State is pressed against the second-apron hard cap, meaning additional salary would have to be included for the trade to comply with league rules.
Curry’s outlook and locker-room reaction
Despite Butler’s absence, Curry told The Athletic’s Nick Friedell his confidence remains intact. “As long as I’m out there, I’m always confident we can win,” he said.
Draymond Green, speaking on his podcast, offered a measured response to general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s comments about Kuminga’s reported trade request. Meanwhile, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole argued the organization cannot afford to stand pat if it hopes to give Curry enough support for a playoff push.
The Warriors enter the weekend searching for lineup solutions and monitoring Kuminga’s health while the front office evaluates trade options ahead of the looming deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
