Warriors’ Butler Trade Looking Better Amid LaVine’s Struggles in Sacramento
Despite back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat, the Golden State Warriors have every reason to feel good about their blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler. Since acquiring the six-time All-Star, Golden State has transformed from a fringe play-in team into a legitimate title contender.
Avoiding a LaVine Disaster
The Warriors initially pursued Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls, but negotiations fell apart. Instead, they pivoted to Butler—a decision that now looks even wiser given LaVine’s struggles with the Sacramento Kings.
Since being dealt to Sacramento in a three-team trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, LaVine has posted respectable numbers (21.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG in 22 games). However, the Kings remain just 35-37, sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference despite a major midseason overhaul.
NBA insider Sam Amick (The Athletic) recently reported on The Ringer NBA Podcast that he is “not hearing great things” about LaVine’s time in Sacramento, citing an imperfect fit with the Kings’ roster. If Sacramento misses the playoffs, LaVine could be on the move again as quickly as he arrived.
Warriors’ Trade Paying Off
While LaVine remains an elite scorer, his game is dependent on athleticism that is beginning to fade as he approaches 30. Meanwhile, Butler’s two-way impact, leadership, and ability to elevate teammates have made him the perfect fit in Golden State.
At the time, failing to land LaVine and Vucevic felt like a misstep for Golden State’s front office. But in hindsight, they dodged a bullet. Instead of a potentially clunky offensive experiment with LaVine, they now have a proven playoff performer in Butler, locked in for two more years beyond this season.
With the playoffs approaching, the Warriors have their sights set on one last championship run with this core—and thanks to Butler, that dream remains very much alive.