Warriors would face multiple problems in trying to trade Jimmy Butler

In early 2025, the Golden State Warriors nearly traded for Kevin Durant. 

Once he turned them down, they quickly pivoted to Jimmy Butler, who needed a change of scenery after burning bridges with the Miami Heat.

Butler elevated the team's competitive ceiling and looked like a solid fit next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Then, a season-ending ACL injury cast big doubts on his ability to contribute to another championship run.

His big contract could be a trade chip to land another star. Then again, as an unnamed NBA executive told NBA insider Sean Deveney, the Warriors will have a tough time finding any takers.

Jimmy Butler may not have much trade value right now

“I think a lot of people looked at it and said he has the (expiring) contract, they have picks, they can just put it together and get a star–Anthony Davis was the big one but it could be anyone with a max contract,” the executive said. “But if you’re the team taking a guy back, what are you going to do with Jimmy Butler? He is probably not going to play for you by the time he comes back from the knee.”

Even ignoring Butler's long and well-documented history of creating turmoil with his former teams, there might not be an incentive to acquire his big contract.

Years ago, the Warriors could've attached multiple draft picks to his deal, and any struggling team would've probably agreed to absorb it.

But with the NBA Draft reform, that doesn't make that much sense anymore. Moreso, the Warriors have also been reluctant to trade picks for the post-Steph Curry era:

“But it is not easy like that. The draft has changed. You can be relegated if your record is bad–no one is tanking anymore and trading for a guy with an ACL is a move for when you’re tanking. Plus, Jimmy is going to want a contract. So, yes, you might get the picks from the Warriors and two or three years ago, that would be something you would do. But not now,” the executive added.

At the end of the day, it looks like the Warriors will simply be stuck with the former Chicago Bulls draft pick.

Butler is expected to be back at some point next season, potentially around Christmas. Whether he'll return to his former level or be cleared to play back-to-backs remains to be seen.

If healthy, Butler can provide a strong punch on both ends of the floor, not to mention some vocal leadership. That said, not many players get healthier after an ACL injury and turning 37.