The Golden State Warriors secured Jimmy Butler in a high-profile trade, yet coach Steve Kerr was pleading for significant NBA changes in the wake of this deal.
Just before their game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, Shams Charania from ESPN announced the end of the prolonged drama involving Butler and the Miami Heat.
The trade package included sending Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick to Miami, allowing Butler to join his favored destination with Warriors star Stephen Curry.
While Butler’s acquisition initially stole the spotlight, Kerr emphasized the need for reform after the “tough days” his players endured during the trade deadline frenzy.
“The league should consider making the trade deadline at the All-Star break so you don’t have to face these games where guys are getting traded half an hour before the game,” Kerr said after Utah beat Golden State 131-128 Wednesday night. “You’re trying to process the emotions and win a game.”
He pushed for the NBA to shift the trade deadline – set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET – to a later date, or at least ensure that teams don’t have to play games in the days immediately before the deadline in the future.
“I don’t know how to do it, but these are tough days for sure,” said the Warriors’ head coach.
According to Anthony Slater from The Athletic, Kerr had to clear reporters out of the locker room before the game to address the trade news with his team, including those who were dealt. The situation clearly moved Kerr, who described Wiggins as one of his “favorite players” he’s ever coached.
After a quick farewell to Wiggins and Anderson, the Warriors will face the challenge of playing with a reduced roster in their next game, a back-to-back against the revamped Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. With a 25-25 record, Golden State must now strive to win four more games before the All-Star break kicks off next week – a tough stretch Kerr hopes to avoid in the future.
