Steve Kerr Says Warriors Will ‘Keep Our Options Open’ amid Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors

Zach BacharContributor IJanuary 5, 2025

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is content to see what the team’s current roster can do prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but he also confirmed that the front office isn’t opposed to a move.

“I’ve talked to [general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.] about that and I think that makes perfect sense,” Kerr said on Saturday, per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “We’ve been up and down this year, but we like the group, we like the people we have and we really want to see how we play over the next month and then just keep our options open.”

“Obviously we’re a game above .500, so we’re not in a position to say, ‘Hey, we’re good enough. Let’s just stand firm,'” he added. “We have to assess all the options.”

One star that could be dealt prior to the deadline is Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, as ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported on Friday that Butler indicated to the Heat that he wants to be traded.

In 22 games this season, the 35-year-old has averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game on 55.2/37.5/78.8 shooting splits.

The Warriors’ interest in adding another All-Star to pair alongside Stephen Curry has been apparent. Golden State reportedly made an offer to the Utah Jazz regarding forward Lauri Markkanen in July, but Markkanen ultimately signed an extension to stay in Utah.

A deal between the Heat and Warriors involving Butler may not materialize, though.

Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II and Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed that Golden State isn’t considered a “viable” destination for the six-time All-Star due to his salary for the remainder of the year.

Butler has a $48.8 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season.

The Warriors have struggled following a 12-4 start to the year, currently sitting at No. 8 in the Western Conference standings with a 17-16 record.

Golden State has already been active on the trade market, acquiring point guard Dennis Schröder in a Dec. 15 deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Kerr and the Warriors’ front office appear to be open to exploring more trade opportunities, but Butler may not be the team’s radar.