Warriors Tell Jimmy Butler He Is Not Part of Any Trade Talks
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The Golden State Warriors have informed Jimmy Butler that he will not be moved while he works back from a torn ACL in his right knee, according to a league source cited by Nick Friedell of The Athletic.
Reports from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line added that strong indications point to Butler being left out of any proposal the Warriors might make for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both Butler and Antetokounmpo are earning $54.1 million this season.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. had previously said he did not expect to trade the six-time All-Star after the season-ending injury, though that statement came before Milwaukee began fielding offers for the two-time MVP.
Multiple outlets have noted that Stephen Curry is the lone untouchable player in Golden State’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo. If Butler remains off the table, four-time champion Draymond Green would likely be required in any deal to satisfy salary-matching rules. Asked Friday about the possibility, Green said, “I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night.”
Veteran center Al Horford acknowledged the tension around the Feb. 8 trade deadline. “It’s hard on all of us, but especially for younger players that are trying to find their way,” he told NBC Sports Bay Area. “Once the deadline passes, everybody kind of takes a deep breath.”
Backup guard DeAnthony Melton is trying to stay focused amid the speculation. “Honestly, you just got to put your head down and work,” he said. “When a superstar wants to get moved, everybody’s on the block. Nobody’s above the program.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
