The Warriors may not be done after agreeing to acquire Jimmy Butler in a four-team blockbuster, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Golden State would still like to add a shooting big man, with Bulls center Nikola Vucevic among the club’s potential targets.
Slater notes that the Warriors can still offer the expiring contracts of Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney, which total more than $17MM. However, if they want to acquire Vucevic, they’d need to offer at least one more player besides those two, due to the center’s $20MM cap hit and Golden State’s proximity to the first-apron hard cap.
As they look to navigate that hard cap, one anticipated move for the Warriors is converting center Quinten Post from his two-way deal to a standard contract, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Because he was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, Post can be signed for the prorated rookie minimum, which only counts for about half as much for cap and apron purposes as a prorated veteran’s minimum deal would.
Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- The Jazz and Bulls were engaged in trade talks as of Wednesday, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press (Twitter link), though he doesn’t have any details on which players they were discussing. Neither team is considered a deadline buyer, so if the two clubs end up making a deal, it could be centered more around contracts and finances than win-now players.
- The Jazz aren’t expected to retain guard Dennis Schröder after acquiring him as part of the four-team Butler trade, reports Marc J. Spears of Andscape (Twitter link). It’s unclear if Utah’s plan is to flip Schröder to another team or simply to buy him out. If he’s bought out, the veteran point guard would be ineligible to sign with any teams operating above either tax apron, since his salary ($13MM) exceeds the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($12.8MM).
- Having agreed to trade for Mark Williams, the Lakers have an open roster spot and could prioritize play-making and/or three-point shooting with that opening, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
- Based on conversations with sources around the NBA, as well as the fact that many of the Nets‘ top trade candidates were active for Wednesday’s game, Brian Lewis of The New York Post wouldn’t be shocked if it’s a relatively quiet deadline in Brooklyn. After previously reporting that a Cameron Johnson deal appears increasingly unlikely, Lewis says there have been no indications that anything “seismic” is imminent for the Nets.
- Before making their Luka Doncic/Anthony Davis mega-deal, the Mavericks showed “strong” interest in center Jericho Sims, a source tells Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (Twitter link). The Knicks are reportedly sending Sims to the Bucks as part of a larger deal.
This trade deadline wasn’t that good honestly. Just alot of forced trades to get ratings up. Nobody fits where they were traded to
Not sure how Luka doesn’t fit in LA. They always get a generational talent
NOBODY. Not just Luka. Luka should not be playing the PG. Definitely should be a SG
“Positional fit is solely based on height/weight, regardless of all other factors” -Luke 207, probably.
Magic Johnson is 6-9 250. He should have played power forward. -Luke 207, definitely.
Definitely not. Stop assuming dumb stuff. Go away casual. I would not want my number scorer as a PG. Luka is out of shape. Shoots the most etc etc . Gary it’s time to change your red socks and stop trying to get a keyboard warrior
I would always play Allen Iverson at SG
Oh wow, one whole player! That makes up for every bad take he’s ever had in this vein.
Luka’s one of the best playmakers and lob tossers in the league. Of course his best fit is at PG. He runs the offense.
Steph, Lillard, LeBron, Magic, Ja, SGA. All PGs or guys playing PG who lead their teams in scoring. All superstars. All teams that either won or had a legitimate chance at winning a title. Not to mention guys like Fox or Haliburton. I’m sure there are plenty I’m not thinking about off the top of my head.
This take *sucks*.
It may not fit now but the Lakers are already building it to fit Luka regardless of how fit he is.
Yes I agree TallBaller
That’s all you all say is just Luka? No loyalty to Middleton, Davis, Luka, etc etc etc etc
Davis is still going to a good team, has chances to compete, doesn’t seem upset, all that jazz. He does give them more defense like Nico apparently wanted. It moves Davis to PF like he’s been begging for, for years. He’s probably pretty okay with it. If anything, it’s the Mavs GM and ownership who should be getting flak and they are.
Middleton was unfortunately too injured to really contribute to Milwaukee when they’re still trying to win. It sucks, and everybody knows it sucks, but they know that it was the right move for the Bucks if they want to win games if they think rationally. Kuzma gives the Bucks more rebounding that they needed and gives them another guy who can score. It’s not a great deal, but standing pat wasn’t a good move and it helps them in the short term. Easy to understand why it was made. The Wiz get a pick swap and remove a guy who was starting to cause problems because he wanted to win. Kuzma gets a chance to play meaningful games. Middleton loses out, but everybody else is makes out alright. It is unfortunate but that happens to guys when they’re too injured/old and soaking up money.
“Forced trades to get ratings up” lol what does this mean
Did I say Luka in this? Nope so stop saying whatever and liking each other hahaha. I swear you simpletons will say anything then like each other.
You then proceeded to try and defend the take regarding Luka, so you did it to yourself.
I know he won’t read this since he’s blocked me, but this is funny and pathetic. He just can’t stand being called out on his nonsense.
Free Schroder. Mans is always getting traded. Nobody loves him?
I could see the Jazz working out a trade to a place Dennis wants to go to.
They’d be smart to enlist his agent to help make that happen.
Another second round pick would be pretty easy to come by, it would seem.
As badly as it went on the court for Schroder, I was very impressed with hi as a person. I’ll be hoping things work out for him and his young family,
Payton Jr, Looney,Pods for Vooch.
The Bulls will take Pods for sure!
Add TJD instead of Pods.
I’m betting they don’t trade for Vucevic at this point because Butler’s $53M/yr next season makes adding Vucevic’s $20M too tight.
Technically, it’s possible. But it’ll restrict them in too many other ways.
No way Podz is traded.
Now they have Jimmy, so I think they go for it.
Vooch a veteran, knows what to do out there, he can score you can get him the ball he can rebound. He’s just not that defensive presence and so what. You have Green Jimmy and well, I don’t know who else on defense.
And Vooch can teach Post how to play. Post can become Vouch after next season as well.
In my mind, you have to do it now. That’s a nice starting five. They rebound. They won’t get beat up underneath. I don’t know what other center you can get. Plug-in Nik and your set with this lineup. Make the run.
The problem now is there is not out going money to make the trade happen. Looney and GPO2 still not enough money.
Add Hield
I don’t think GSW will keep Jimmy for the entirety of that contract.
Davey J said:
> I don’t think GSW will keep Jimmy for the entirety of that contract.
The way I see it, Jimmy’s $55M/yr contract will not be moveable next year unless he’s performing at a very high level.
And, if Jimmy were performing that well, why would you trade him given that Steph would still be around.
@ari its all part of the larger plan to trade for Giannis when Moody’s new contract begins, IMHO. Multi-teamer, GSW gives up Jimmy, Kuminga, Moody and Podz or TJD, and they get back Giannis + other pieces.
Butler could be traded for KD. If Suns don’t go far in the playoffs the suns will trade KD. They wanted Butler. KD will have no choice but go back to GSW for his last year.
Or he could just retire after getting traded back to GSW. Hes earned millions and 2 championships already. It wont be hard for him to retire after being traded back to GSW. Not saying he would but he could.
KD will not retire early unless injuries. KD doesn’t have alot going on besides NBA.
Well he aint moving anytime soon to GSW. Just throwing it out there.
Davey J, re Giannis, I know you really believe it, but it’s way too much of a long shot for the FO to be plan for it
So Kevon Looney, Gary Payton, and a third guy for vouch? I’m hoping that third guy is Jackson Davis. He’s still learning, he’s not a shooter and he’s only 6-9, so he’d probably be the favorable third guy and not Post nor Podski.
No way they trade Post or Pods. Bulls want a unprotected 1st rounder. So no way a team gives that up.
Gary, I know your desire has been to see the Dubs put the best possible supporting cast for Steph together before he retires. How are you feeling about the Butler trade and where the team currently stands? Give it to us straight.
I think you HAVE TO give up a first round pick for Nikola Vučević of the bulls. At this point you have to.
You already put all your chips on the table for Jimmy Butler the next two seasons. You need a center who is a pro. You need a center who knows what he’s doing out there.
You cannot make a playoff run without him. I don’t see any other guy who fits?
Dubs dont want just a guy.., not a Nick Richards type, not a Mark Williams type. But a 20 and 10 guy.
Has to be done.
As far as your question, let me think about that. Maybe a fresh article and I’ll write something for you, my one fan to read lol. Also Give me yours as well. I’m interested what you think here. Maybe on a fresh article later.
Gary, this advice is based on personal experience in another area of life:
Next time you think of Kuminga, close your eyes and pretend it’s somebody else.
So..,
Curry
Heild
Jimster
Green
Vooch.
Somewhat strong. Nice offensively.
Still have a bench of Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podski, Quentin Post, Gui Santos, Pat Spencer.
I don’t think this is the final team Friday morning. I think Jonathan Kuminga is shipped out of town now.
They’ll get a veteran guy. Like a slow Mo guy who’s been there before but better. Jonathan Kuminga and Santos for? Who’s that dude that JK can bring in with promise? We shall see.
Need A Ball handler who fills the role that Dennis Schrader should have but didn’t.
Really need two more guys. Someone better than Jonathan Kuminga and knows what he’s doing out there, and a ball handler that can play the one once Curry sits out.
Maybe they can ship out Buddy Hield too, but he’s almost a negative asset but it’s a valuable roster spot as the starting 2 guard. I expect something to go down.
Gary, Good stuff. That’s pretty complete for not having thought about it!
As always, I differ with you on these 2 points because I believe they are set in stone in the FO’s long-term, life-after-Steph, plan
1. Brandin Podziemski is that 2nd ball-handler that you name, long-term. (See last night in Utah). They are counting on that. (Also, Butler is an excellent ball-handler, and will take the pressure off Steph in late game situations.)
2.Kuminga is, I’ll say it, untouchable, until deemed otherwise.
Gary its literally insane how much you hate Moody, Moody is better than Buddy. Moody is going into that starting lineup!
The Bulls front office stinks.
How about GPII/Looney and Hield +2nd rounder for Vooch
I think even if it gets down to the last minute, the Chicago Bulls will hold onto Nikola Vucevic instead of taking that trade.
They’ll just visit it again next trade deadline.
In my opinion, the Warriors must give up that first round pick to get this guy. They don’t have a choice.
Now that Jimmy is on board and the major commitment they made to him and this run, they don’t have a choice.
Look what the Lakers gave up to get Mark Williams !!
A promising young player and a first round pick. No way you get Nikolai Vucevic for scraps and a second rounder. You can’t get Nick Richards for for that second rate offering.
Gary Gary Gary do you NOT know how bad the Bulls FO is???
Comping trades to use in other trade simulations is NOT the look! All trades are entities unto themselves!
I’d love to have Nikola Vucevic, but let’s be careful.
ucevic is 34 years old. Although he’s better this season than last, his career is clearly in decline. He makes $20M/yr, and will be the free agent at the end of next season. Remember Dennis Schroeder.
Mark Williams is 23 years old, in his 3rd year, improving consistently from year to year. The Lakers effectively have his rights, via rookie extension, for another 5 years after his 4th year… as in all the way through 2031. That’s worth a first round pick and rookie Dalton Knecht.
@Warriors seems like a reasonable deal, but the Bulls FO is so 100% inept at decision making. Resigning Lonzo Ball to a modest deal most likely materialized bc there was a strong market for him which triggered their aforementioned ineptitude. They can’t get past Step 1 in admitting that they’re basketball lives have become completely unmanageable and they are powerless over poor roster management.
You know ball!
SF Warriors, I believe that is pretty close, if not exactly what GSW is offering.
It adds up to around $26M, which would translate into Vuch plus two minimum players. The Dubs need some bodies back in return.
The one problem is that Buddy has lost a lot of trade value this season. He’s got 3 more years on his deal after this one at $9M/yr. Bulls won’t like that.
If you look at his numbers this year, they line up with his normal percentages and production. Sort of right in line. But yeah, three more years? Should be OK because he is still a decent shooter and can get hot. That works in the regular season, but not in the playoffs. We need one more guy off the wing.
You’re right about Podski. He’s mature enough and smart enough to be the back up one and primary ball handler. Good vision, unselfish lays his body on the line and will do whatever is asked. Needs that shot to start falling then he’s a pretty valuable guy. Till then, a good back up.
Podz has certainly improved his game over the last month specifically, its the first time we have seen him make adjustments. He’s maxing out at a TJ McConnell-type player, which isn’t a starter, but Podz looked noticeably better over the last couple weeks. He still isn’t confident out there on offense, but its a work in process. He’s literally 21 years old. And there’s the issue with GSW/Steph’s prime. We dont really have the time to do both rebuild and contend with Steph’s prime.
“Lays his body on the line” = injury prone career incoming. We all saw Bryce Harper.
I think Jimmy, Moody, Podz and Kuminga and picks is a nice platform for a Giannis trade this offseason (multi-team, obv).
Gary, re: Hield, his defense and effort are better than I expected, but his offense shows a marked decline. At 32 yrs old and 3 more years at $9M, this isn’t a contract a rebuilding team is excited about acquiring. It’s not a “negative” contract right now, but it probably is next season.
ppg this year: 11.7
ppg career: 15.3
3pt % this year: 36.8
3pt % career: 39.8
FG % this year: 41.4
FG % career: 43.3
Gary, I gotta ask you about Podz last night against UTA… did you not see a future NBA starter?
29pts, 6rebs, 5assts, 1 T/O, 10/13 FT’s, 1 charge taken
He’s only 21 yrs old. In our day, he’d still be in college.
For the record, if you want to go the extra mile on desktop, have basketball-reference open, cut and paste the names to include accent marks!
We can call him Vučević or Vuc or Vooch on here.
Can the Nets wake the f**k up and blow up this team – fuuuxxxkkkk