While the Golden State Warriors hoped to reunite with Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, the 15-time All-Star reportedly had no interest in returning to the Bay.
However, the organization quickly pivoted by acquiring Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler on Wednesday in a multi-team deal with the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
Four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry may have been surprised by the trade, but it didn’t stop him from raving about the high-profile wing.
“Been in two finals, he’s a winner,” Curry told the Athletic’s Anthony Slater after the Warriors’ 131-128 loss to the Jazz.
“I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is? We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy that’s ready to impact our team for the better.”
“He plays at his own speed and gets to the foul line. You’ve got to have smart IQ basketball to figure it out on the fly but he’s a competitor at the highest of levels.”
Although Curry is having a down year by his standards, he leads the Dubs in scoring and can close out games in crunch time.
Curry averages 22.4 points and 6.2 assists per contest, shooting 43.4% from the field and 39.3% from downtown.
Still, the Warriors boast an average 25-25 record after blowing a lead late against the struggling Jazz.
Without another superstar, it’s reasonable to assume the Warriors would have been in significant danger of missing the Play-In Tournament and/or the playoffs.
Fortunately, acquiring Butler guarantees the Warriors’ season will continue after the Apr. 13 regular season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Regarding fit, Butler isn’t the prototypical high-level 3-and-D wing who can excel in the Warriors’ long-range-oriented offense.
With that being said, Butler’s grittiness and playmaking ability will help keep Golden State afloat in a competitive Western Conference.
More NBA: ESPN analyst reacts to Warriors’ trade for Jimmy Butler: ‘This is not a mega-deal’
