Warriors Linked to Shock $175M Center Trade After Butler Injury

The Golden State Warriors saw their immediate future thrown into doubt on Monday night when Jimmy Butler collapsed to the floor clutching his right leg. The injury was later diagnosed as a season-ending torn right ACL, an outcome that could sideline the 36-year-old for up to a full year and dramatically alters Golden State’s outlook. The timing is especially cruel given the Warriors’ recent resurgence, having climbed to eighth in the Western Conference at 25-20 after winning 12 of their past 17 games. With Butler now out of the picture, trade speculation has quickly intensified as Golden State looks for ways to stay competitive in a crowded playoff race. Golden State Warriors Weigh Extreme Trade Scenarios Among the more dramatic ideas gaining traction is the possibility of the Warriors exploring trades involving Butler himself, despite his injury. Butler carries a $54.1 million cap hit this season and is owed $56.8 million through the 2026-27 campaign, a figure that could theoretically be used to match another star-level contract. According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, one such name to monitor is Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis. “The Warriors should be planning to use Jimmy Butler’s $54.1M salary to seek upgrades on the trade market following Butler’s unfortunate season-ending injury,” Weinbach reported. “Anthony Davis, who also holds a $54.1M salary this season, would be one target to closely monitor in Golden State.” The irony of the scenario is hard to miss. Davis is currently sidelined himself after suffering ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Utah Jazz. He’s expected to miss around six weeks after opting to avoid surgery. Through 20 games this season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks, while shooting 50.6% from the field and 27% from three-point range. Since arriving in Dallas via the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade in February 2025, Davis has appeared in just 29 games and already missed significant time earlier this season with a calf strain. For a Warriors team that now needs reliability as much as star power, adding another injury-prone centerpiece may run counter to their immediate needs. Kuminga Re-enters the Picture Amid Uncertainty In the aftermath of Golden State’s 135-112 win over the Miami Heat on Monday, head coach Steve Kerr was asked whether Butler’s injury could open the door for estranged forward Jonathan Kuminga to re-join the rotation. “Sure. Absolutely,” Kerr said bluntly. Kuminga had not appeared in a game since December 18 amid a prolonged feud with Kerr and the organisation. Yet on Tuesday night, in the Warriors’ first game since losing Butler, he returned to the rotation against the Toronto Raptors. In 21 minutes, Kuminga scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. It was an immediate on-court response, though questions still remain about his long-term future with the team. On January 15, the first day he became eligible, Kuminga formally requested a trade, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater. Speaking on SportsCenter AM following Butler’s injury, Charania described Kuminga’s relationship with Kerr as being “fractured beyond repair” while outlining how Golden State could pivot ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. “Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, does that fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler,” Charania said. “But one way or another, the Warriors are about to find out where they stand with Jonathan Kuminga this season.” The Sacramento Kings have emerged as a leading suitor for Kuminga and have been actively shopping DeRozan’s $24.8 million contract amid reported mutual interest with the Warriors forward. For Golden State, a DeRozan-centered return could represent the most direct and realistic path forward, offering immediate production without compounding injury risk. As the trade deadline approaches, the Warriors now face a familiar dilemma of balancing urgency with pragmatism. Butler’s injury has forced their hand, but how they respond may ultimately define the trajectory of their season.