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HomeDallas MavericksSources: Golden State Warriors Not Planning To Trade Jimmy Butler Or Pursue Anthony Davis Before Deadline
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Sources: Golden State Warriors Not Planning To Trade Jimmy Butler Or Pursue Anthony Davis Before Deadline

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
Jimmy Butler dribbles the ball for the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center
Photo by Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

The Golden State Warriors remain open to evaluating different roster possibilities following Jimmy Butler III’s torn right ACL, but a major pivot involving another blockbuster move is not expected as the organization balances the short-term impact of the injury with a longer-term outlook.

Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Golden State Warriors are not expected to trade away Jimmy Butler, nor are they anticipated to pursue Anthony Davis at this stage.

That internal posture aligns with public comments from Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., who acknowledged roster flexibility in the wake of Butler’s injury but downplayed the idea of moving him.

“I don’t envision that, but now that you’ve brought it up, I guess I’d say what I envision for him is kind of give us a boost next year the same way he did last year when he arrived,” Dunleavy said when asked if the team would consider trading Butler. “And so, at some point during (next) season, he’ll be returning.”

Jimmy Butler Still Viewed as Part of the Plan

Despite the ACL injury, Golden State continues to view Butler as a long-term piece rather than a trade asset. Internally, the expectation is that Butler’s value is tied more closely to next season than any short-term maneuvering tied to his current absence.

While the Warriors have previously adjusted after major injuries, sources indicated this situation is being handled differently. Last season, Golden State traded De’Anthony Melton after he tore his ACL, acquiring Dennis Schroder. Schroder was later flipped in the deal that ultimately brought Butler to the Warriors.

However, Melton was on a one-year contract at the time, and it was understood he could return in free agency, which eventually happened. Butler’s contract structure makes a comparable approach far less realistic. He is owed $54.1 million this season with a fully guaranteed $56.8 million salary for next season.

No Active Push on Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga’s Standing Around the NBA

Around the league, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Golden State is not actively exploring a path toward acquiring Dallas Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 deadline. Any potential deal would require significant salary matching and long-term financial commitment — factors that do not align with the Warriors’ current priorities.

At the same time, league sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Dallas has interest in Jonathan Kuminga, as previously reported. The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers have also been identified as teams with interest in Kuminga. However, it remains to be seen if there is a clean enough pathway for the Mavericks to get a deal done with Golden State.

Sources familiar with Kuminga’s day-to-day process emphasized that he remained professional and prepared throughout his extended stint out of the rotation earlier this season, even before Butler’s injury reopened minutes. Despite limited opportunities, Kuminga was described as staying engaged, maintaining his routine, and being ready when his number was called.

That readiness showed in Dallas, where Kuminga was off to a strong start before suffering a minor injury, providing another reminder of his upside when given a defined role. Still, sources stressed that Golden State’s broader deadline posture remains cautious, with no expectation of a Butler trade or a Davis pursuit.

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Tags :Anthony DavisDallas MavericksGolden State WarriorsJimmy ButlerJonathan KumingaNBANBA RumorsNBA Trade Rumors
Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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