At 36, Stephen Curry is no spring chicken. There’s no denying that, at this point, the GOAT shooter has a few more years left in him before he calls time in his decorated career.
This is exactly why the Golden State Warriors must do everything they can to make the most out of Curry’s remaining prime years. What we’ve seen from the Dubs over the past couple of years does not exactly inspire overwhelming confidence in terms of a potential challenge this season. Their rather lackluster offseason also points to the notion that they might need more than just a Buddy Hield to seriously contend for a title in 2024-25.
According to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, a guy like Jimmy Butler could be exactly the player the Warriors need. Pairing a bona fide All-Star like Butler alongside Curry could potentially be the high-risk, high-reward blockbuster deal that could change everything for Golden State.
“Butler’s demonstrated excellence in the biggest games would certainly have appeal to a Dubs team that may only have one last ride in it—if that,” Hughes wrote. “Of course, Butler also comes with massive financial concerns. He’ll hit free agency after 2024-25 (assuming he declines his player option) and will likely want a pricey extension.”
Butler is 35, and like Curry, his championship window is coming to a close as well. However, we’ve all seen what the five-time All-NBA forward is capable of when he’s healthy — especially when it comes to the postseason.
This is also why he won’t come for cheap. Assuming that the Miami Heat somehow become amenable to parting ways with their cornerstone superstar, you can be sure that Pat Riley will be asking for a hefty price.
The good news for the Warriors is that they have the necessary assets to pull off a deal. Golden State has multiple first-round picks at their disposal, as well as a potential trade centerpiece in Jonathan Kuminga.
It’s a high price to pay for sure, but this might just be the type of high-risk, high-reward blockbuster deal the Dubs must be willing to do if they’re serious about putting Curry in a position to win his fifth championship ring.
As Hughes pointed out, Butler does come with inherent risks. The six-time All-Star is currently on a three-year, $146.4 million deal, which expires at the end of the upcoming season (he has a player option for 2025-26). Should the Warriors trade for him, they might need to break the bank to get the 6-foot-7 forward to sign an extension next summer.
It’s an undeniably massive gamble for Golden State, but one that might be necessary at this point.