Warriors to stay active in trade talks despite Jimmy Butler injury

Jan 21, 2026 9:23 AM

The situation in Golden State remains fluid as the front office continues to explore options that could reshape the roster before the deadline.

According to league intel, discussions are ongoing as the Warriors evaluate whether internal adjustments or external moves give them the best chance to stay competitive.

“I just got off with a source that said the Warriors are still in trade conversations around the league to see if there is a pathway to better this team,” said Shams Charania on NBA Today. “A lot of that has centered around Jonathan Kuminga. He requested a trade. He demanded a trade out of the Warriors last week on the first day he was eligible to be traded.”

That revelation added another layer of complexity to an already tense situation, especially considering how Kuminga’s role has fluctuated this season.

The timing of his request placed pressure on the organization to decide whether repairing the relationship is realistic or if moving on is inevitable.

“But now with Jimmy Butler sideline out of nowhere with this ACL tear, will the Warriors go back on this rollercoaster ride with Jonathan Kuminga and the saga that has happened. And Steve Kerr potentially giving another effort to try to implement Jonathan Kuminga as part of his rotation.”

The unexpected injury forces the team to reassess its short-term priorities. With a major contributor suddenly unavailable, the Warriors must determine whether reintegrating Kuminga could stabilize the rotation or if the past issues make that option too risky.

“Or do the Warriors look at trying to find immediate help on the trade market? Is there a player? We know Sacramento and Dallas are two teams with interest in Jonathan Kuminga right now. There’s other teams as well. But you look at Sacramento: is there a player like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan that you can bring in and can help in the immediate future without Jimmy Butler.”

Those potential targets highlight the contrast between developing young talent and acquiring proven scorers who can contribute right away. The front office must weigh how much future flexibility they are willing to sacrifice for immediate production.

“But how that relationship goes between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga, and what the Warriors do with Jonathan Kuminga the next two weeks before the trade deadline … that is the front and center focus in Golden State.”