After roster changes that included the renowned Klay Thompson’s transfer to the Dallas Mavericks, pundits predicted that the Golden State Warriors would have to rebuild in 2024-25. And in the long run, it may still be the case. But in the early stages? The Warriors are off to a winning start, with rookie Buddy Hield doing an excellent job of filling Thompson’s role… and this is all occurring while Steph Curry is out with an ankle injury.
Should the Warriors capitalize on this momentum and speed the rebuilding process? That’s where the Jimmy Butler rumor should gain some traction. Curry, Hield, and Draymond Green might form a winning core. However, the concept of a “second star” resonates in the NBA among serious competitors.
Butler did not get a contract extension in the offseason, leading to the thought that the Heat will also be facing a rebuild. The assumption now is that he will opt out of his player option to make himself a free agent next summer. There is logic in a struggling Miami wishing to get value for him now.
Along with the Butler report, there is strong suspicion that the Warriors are willing to sell Jonathan Kuminga. To be plain, as writer Jonah Kubicek writes, “The Warriors and Kuminga are on the outs.”
Kuminga is a 22-year-old with a future. Butler is 36. Curry, too. Green is 34. What if “the future is now”? Warriors fans are most certainly saying the same thing about stepping on the gas here. Keep in mind that the Warriors did not sign Kuminga to a contract extension this summer… and consider it another sign that he may be on his way out… a tantalizing prospect when combined with Butler speculations.
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