New Warriors Rumors Uncover Stance on Potential Jimmy Butler Trade at 2026 NBA Deadline Amid Injury

Despite speculation during the season that Jimmy Butler's contract could be used in an attempt to facilitate a major trade, the Golden State Warriors reportedly had no interest in dealing the six-time All-Star.

Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors "refused" to discuss including Butler in a trade prior to the February deadline.

"They refused to discuss trading away Butler in February, league sources say, even after Butler was lost for the season to a torn ACL," Fischer wrote.

Butler's season ended on Jan. 19 when he suffered a knee injury during a win over the Miami Heat.

Golden State was reportedly among the teams talking to the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, though Fischer and Marc Stein noted in January that Butler was "unlikely" to be included in any offers.

It would have made sense for Butler's contract to be used as a facilitator. He made $54.1 million this season and has a $56.8 million expiring salary in 2026-27.

Other than Butler, the only other big contract on Golden State's books at the time was Stephen Curry at $59.6 million. Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green were the only other players making more than $20 million.

Curry was obviously never going to be discussed, so that left Green and Kuminga as the potential trade candidates if the Warriors were going to make a big move.

No major move ever materialized, so the Warriors pivoted to add Kristaps Porziņģis from the Atlanta Hawks for Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

There were also differences between Green and the Warriors about how active they were in discussing him in trades. He openly talked about being nervous amid reports his name was being bantered about, but general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. denied there was ever a chance he would be traded.

It will be interesting to see what approach the Warriors take with Butler this offseason. There could be major changes for the franchise given Steve Kerr's uncertain future as head coach.

If the Warriors want to get in any potential Antetokounmpo discussions again this summer, Butler's contract would almost certainly have to be part of those talks.

There's also an argument for the Warriors to see what a Butler-Curry pairing can do over a full season if they can stay healthy. Golden State went 23-15 in the 38 games Butler started in 2025-26.

Dating back to last season after Butler was acquired from the Heat, the Warriors are 46-22 with him in the lineup. He has averaged 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in those 68 games.