According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat have struck a major deal, sending six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler to Golden State.
The trade involves at least three teams, with Andrew Wiggins moving to Miami and Dennis Schroder going to Utah, along with other players and assets changing hands.
This trade news broke just before Golden State was scheduled to play Utah in a Western Conference game at Delta Center. Unfortunately for Golden State, they suffered a disappointing defeat, losing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The loss brought their record down to 25-25, and the evening only got worse for the Warriors. After the game, it was announced by Anthony Slater of The Athletic that 22-year-old forward Gui Santos had to exit the game due to left patella tendinitis.
“Gui Santos left tonight’s game with left patella tendinitis, per Warriors,” Slater reported. “Another hit to their depth as they reshape their roster this week.”
Gui Santos has become a key part of the Warriors’ rotation in recent weeks, playing at least 19 minutes in eight of Golden State’s last nine games before Wednesday’s match.
During that period, the Brazilian forward averaged 7.3 points per game, shooting an impressive 42.9% from three-point range.
The game against Utah was the start of a road back-to-back for Golden State, with their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. However, following the team’s announcement after the game, it looks like Golden State might have to do without Santos in LA.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has praised Santos for his contributions since he joined the rotation, highlighting what makes him vital to the team.
With the roster already stretched thin due to the trade that brought in Jimmy Butler, who won’t be ready to play by Thursday, the Warriors’ frontcourt will be even more depleted if Santos can’t take the court.
Warriors make immediate Jimmy Butler change after trade
The Golden State Warriors have made a bold move by acquiring Jimmy Butler, a six-time All-Star, in a trade that saw several key players depart. As the deadline approaches, Golden State seems intent on maximizing Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years.
An interesting tidbit regarding Butler’s uniform choice has emerged. Butler, who donned No. 22 for over five years with the Miami Heat, will switch to No. 10 with the Warriors. This may seem trivial, but it’s a significant gesture by the Warriors, symbolizing commitment to their new star. Shortly after the trade, Butler was offered a two-year extension, further cementing his role. The choice of No. 10 is particularly poignant as it was previously worn by current Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy during his playing days, suggesting Butler’s long-term integration into the team’s culture.
Notably, Golden State managed to retain their promising young core – Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis – in this trade. This could mean the Warriors might look to make another deal involving these players before the deadline.
However, the departure of Andrew Wiggins, who was pivotal in the 2021-2022 championship run, will be felt. Butler needs to revive his defensive prowess, having been named to the All-Defensive team five times, and maintain better health, given his recent injury history, for the trade to be considered a success.
Despite these concerns, acquiring Butler looks like a strategic move for Golden State. Butler’s versatility with and without the ball should complement Curry’s playstyle, creating more dynamic offensive opportunities.
Butler, who was the leading force for a Finals team just two years ago, doesn’t need to reach that peak again, but his playoff experience will be invaluable. Currently sitting tenth in the Western Conference, there’s still time for the Warriors under Steve Kerr to climb the rankings, and Butler’s addition should catalyze that ascent.
