Warriors need to make one season-saving move after Jimmy Butler injury

When it rains, it pours for the Golden State Warriors. What was a complicated season already just turned into an absolute nightmare.

Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the win over his former team, the Miami Heat, leaving Steve Kerr's squad even more deprived of talent.

The Warriors are 25-19 and in eighth place in the Western Conference. And, with Butler's injury and the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. now has to make a move.

The Warriors need to trade for Michael Porter Jr.

Butler was the Warriors' second-leading scorer. Now, they will have no choice but to meet the Brooklyn Nets' asking price for Michael Porter Jr.

Porter Jr. has reportedly been at the top of the Warriors' wish list for most of the season, but they don't want to give up first-round picks in any trade.

That makes sense to a degree, given that they won't be as competitive in the post-Stephen Curry era. Then again, Curry is still at the peak of his powers, and not making a move will be doing him a disservice.

Per Basketball Reference, Porter Jr. is averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 48.5/39.8/84.5 shooting splits. He's an elite three-level scorer with championship experience. 

Butler is 36 years old, and he cannot be trusted to be the same player once he returns next season. Moving his expiring deal for a good player on a bad contract should also be on the Warriors' mind.

The Warriors could also give Jonathan Kuminga one last chance to prove his worth in the Bay Area. Then again, he's been vocal about his desire to leave, and with Kerr keeping him on a short leash, that doesn't seem likely.

Whatever the case, the front office desperately needs to make some moves. Even if they risk the future to save the present, that's the type of decision you make when you have one of the greatest players of all time looking for another ring.