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Warriors Trade Butler for Banchero in Curry Shakeup
15 Sep
Summary
- Warriors plan three-team trade for Paolo Banchero.
- Jimmy Butler's tenure with Steph Curry may end soon.
- Trade aims to keep Steph Curry in title contention.
The Golden State Warriors are exploring a significant roster overhaul centered around a three-team trade, aiming to bolster their chances for a fifth championship for Steph Curry. The proposed blockbuster involves the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks. Under this hypothetical deal, the Warriors would acquire young star Paolo Banchero and center Goga Bitadze from Orlando, plus guard AJ Green from Milwaukee.
This strategic move would see the Warriors part ways with veteran forward Jimmy Butler, who is entering the final year of his contract in the 2026-27 NBA season. Golden State would also include rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and multiple future first-round draft picks in 2027, 2029, and 2033. The Magic would receive Butler and the aforementioned draft picks, while sending Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., and Bitadze away. The Bucks would acquire Wendell Carter Jr. for AJ Green.
The Warriors' motivation stems from a desire to keep Steph Curry competitive, especially after underwhelming offseason moves. Butler's age and a recent severe knee injury have complicated the team's outlook. Acquiring a younger star like Banchero is seen as a more sustainable path to contention, rather than relying on aging veterans and players recovering from significant injuries. The team faces a crossroads, potentially either improving with existing personnel or becoming sellers at the trade deadline, with Butler being a prime candidate for a trade.
