If the surprise Luka Doncic trade didn’t happen, Jimmy Butler’s surprise move to the Warriors on the eleventh hour of the trade deadline would be the biggest talking point for many NBA fans. The temperamental guard has wanted out of the Miami Heat for quite some time, and the impending trade deadline had Pat Riley desperate for a move that would rid the locker room of a problematic star.
The Suns were the supposed frontrunners for Jimmy Buckets for quite some time, with many in and around the NBA believing the 2021 NBA Finalists as the runaway favorites to land him. The rumors were persistent to the point that Draymond Green was linked with a move away from the Dubs to make the deal happen.
However, Mike Dunleavy and the rest of the Golden State front office decided to send Andrew Wiggins for a chance to get a playoff Butler going for Stephen Curry. While the team looks strong on paper, there’s one big question Golden State must address in the trade’s aftermath.
An analyst questions whether the Warriors got a better chance at winning a title with Jimmy Butler on the roster
ESPN’s NBA insiders wrote a comprehensive piece that looked to analyze the aftermath of the Butler trade on the involved parties. Tim McMahon assessed whether the move was the right call for the Dubs to make, and he doesn’t believe it was the right move:
Does this deal make Golden State better? Yes. Good enough to contend in the loaded Western Conference? Probably not. The Warriors will probably still make the playoffs via the play-in, considering the adjustment period of implementing such a major addition. And there will be some spacing issues with Butler and Draymond Green — two players opponents are comfortable shooting 3s against — as key cogs for Golden State.
Butler’s reputation as an incredible postseason performer is the primary reason for the Warriors’ decision to get him. He averaged an incredible 27.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, and 1.9 SPG during his last two postseason runs.
However, it’s also important to note that Butler is already in his mid-30s. It wouldn’t be surprising to see his playoff production slow down, and the Warriors will be in deep trouble if that happens.
For More Content
Message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com for questions and opportunities. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
