Warriors unlikely to trade injured Jimmy Butler ahead of Feb. 5 deadline, Stein reports
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The Golden State Warriors will explore their options before the Feb. 5 trade deadline but are not expected to include Jimmy Butler in any in-season deal following his season-ending ACL tear, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told reporters Tuesday that trading Butler was off the table, and Stein writes that the stance is genuine. Butler’s contract is worth $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million in 2026-27, making a swap difficult. Golden State is 46-22 in regular-season play with Butler since acquiring him last year and believes he can return before the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Personal ties also matter: Dunleavy played alongside Butler in Chicago and has known the forward for more than a decade, a factor Stein notes could further reduce the likelihood of a move.
Grizzlies weigh fan impact in Ja Morant talks
Memphis continues to evaluate trade scenarios for two-time All-Star Ja Morant, but his popularity in the city remains a key consideration, Stein reports. The organization would struggle to convince its fan base to accept a package similar to the return Atlanta received for Trae Young earlier this month—CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. League-wide interest in Morant has been limited, and Stein writes that securing young talent or draft capital in addition to veteran contracts could prove challenging.
Sixers, Mavericks plan two-way promotions
The 76ers and Mavericks both intend to convert multiple two-way players to standard deals before season’s end, Stein adds. Philadelphia is expected to elevate Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker, while Dallas aims to promote Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse.
Philadelphia has one open standard roster spot but is already in luxury-tax territory. Dallas is at the 15-player limit with minimal room below the second-apron hard cap.
The Sixers face an additional deadline: teams with fewer than 15 standard contracts can use only 90 combined active games from two-way players. Philadelphia is at 86 and must either promote a player or sign someone to fill the 15th spot to keep Barlow and Walker active beyond Saturday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
