Warriors’ Dunleavy: “Don’t envision” trading Jimmy Butler despite ACL tear

21/01/202608:22

infortunio ginocchio Jimmy Butler Warriors

Golden State shuts down pre-deadline talk on Butler’s contract and shifts focus to a 2026-27 return; Jonathan Kuminga moves back into the rotation

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy said the Golden State Warriors have no plans to move Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, even after Butler’s torn ACL. “I don’t envision that,” Dunleavy told reporters, framing Butler’s value as a boost “next year” similar to last season’s arrival.

Butler’s injury ended his season and, as Dunleavy acknowledged, could linger into next regular season, complicating a team searching for a realistic West upgrade around Stephen Curry. Butler is owed $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next in the final year of his deal, but Dunleavy pushed back on using that contract as a trade vehicle.

The ripple effect hits Kuminga, who had asked out after being buried in the rotation, then returned Tuesday versus Toronto with 20 points in 21 minutes. Kerr said Kuminga will stay in the mix, while Dunleavy noted any pick-heavy push must land an “impactful” player who fits both now and the post-Curry timeline.