Acquiring and extending Jimmy Butler added a significant chunk of money to the Warriors‘ payroll for the next two seasons after this one, with Butler set to earn approximately $26MM more per year than Andrew Wiggins would have. With that in mind, Anthony Slater of The Athletic asked team owner Joe Lacob whether the trade and extension for Butler will complicate Golden State’s ability to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga during the 2025 offseason.
“Why?” Lacob said. After Slater pointed to the salary numbers noted above, Lacob replied, “Yeah, so?”
In other words, the addition of Butler hasn’t diminished the Warriors’ interest in a new deal with Kuminga, according to the club’s owner.
“Absolutely,” Lacob said when asked directly whether Golden State plans to pay what it takes to retain the restricted free agent forward. “One hundred percent. Are you kidding me? I love that guy. We love him.”
Kuminga’s name came up last week when the Warriors were rumored to be in pursuit of Suns forward Kevin Durant. Reporting indicated that the teams discussed a deal that would have sent Kuminga to Phoenix as part of a package for Durant.
Although Lacob couldn’t – and wouldn’t – discuss those negotiations publicly, he suggested that Golden State would only have considered parting with Kuminga if the club absolutely had to in order to acquire a star player.
“Anybody can be traded,” Lacob said. “Anybody. Well, almost anybody. But we would never do that unless it was something incredibly significant. Incredibly significant. I think players understand that.”
Here’s more on the Warriors:
- Kuminga referred to the trade for Butler as “great for us,” according to Slater. “I think it’s actually great for me, being around him, trying to pick up some of the stuff he does,” Kuminga said. “I feel like I see myself kind of like having a similar type of game.”
- Kuminga, who has been out since January 4 due to a sprained right ankle, is expected to remain sidelined when the Warriors resume play following the All-Star break, per head coach Steve Kerr. “I wouldn’t anticipate him playing those first few games right after the break,” Kerr said on Monday (story via The Associated Press).
- The Warriors, who will enter Wednesday’s action ranked 10th in the West at 27-26, believe they’re capable of claiming one of the six guaranteed playoff spots in the conference. “Sixth seed is the goal,” Kerr said after Monday’s win in Milwaukee, according to Slater. The No. 6 Clippers are 29-23, with a 2.5-game cushion on Golden State.
- The Warriors are 2-0 since Butler made his debut for the team, but the star forward doesn’t believe he’s 100% yet and is confident he’ll be able to make a more significant impact, as Slater relays. “You gotta think, I haven’t played basketball in a month,” Butler said on Monday. “My wind is nowhere close to where it needs to be. I can’t wait until I’m back in basketball shape where I’m used to being. I won’t miss free throws as much. I’ll have lift on my jump shots. Right now, I’m just gassed. I’m glad we’re winning. But I gotta get in better shape.”
- Butler has 28 free throw attempts in his first two games as a Warrior, becoming the first Golden State player to get to the foul line that often in a two-game span since Durant in 2018, Slater adds. Stephen Curry, who has scored 34 and 38 points in his first two games alongside Butler, told Slater and other reporters after Monday’s win, “Every possession just doesn’t feel as hard.”
I hope the Jimmy Butler honeymoon lasts through the playoffs.
Did you see the part where Jimmy got paid? His love language is his wallet.
Totally … I don’t think it’ll be over until after end of next year when he’ll want another extension
That should put to rest permanently the oft-debated topic of whether the Warriors are committed to Kuminga.
As for how the coach feels about the matter, the FO will keep on taking away his toys until he gets the point.
Ari, how does it put it to rest. They almost traded him at the deadline? You should know by now that owner’s coaches and GM‘s rave about their own guys while they are on the team and also shortly after they dump them.
Joe Lacob is no dummy. Of course he’s going to say he loves Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors need him for this three month playoff run, you think he’s going to put a question in the kid’s mind about salary or position on the team? Seriously?
This is no more an endorsement for long-term commitment than when everyone raved about Andrew Wiggins and his game two months ago. They loved Andrew Wiggins. He’s a huge part of what they do there etc. etc. Come on Ari. You should be on your 2nd cup of coffee by now.
Gary, the head waitress at the Pink Poodle has my home address if you want to send me my flowers.
Remember my friendly advice that whenever you see Kuminga you should close your eyes and pretend it’s somebody else? Start practicing now because you’ll be doing it for the next 6 years.
Or, just come on over to the sunny side.
No it doesnt. You cant trade or sign Kuminga now so of course hell say all the nice things you want to hear.
We can put it to rest permanently when actions have been done such as signing him long term.
All he did now was lip service.
The Cam Johnson ship hasn’t sailed entirely away for me, you three. If, for whatever reason, negotiations don’t work out in the offseason with JK, I’m hoping CJ is next in line to take that #4 spot in the pecking order of Dubs’ player hierarchy. And pure speculation/fantasy, but I’d like to IMAGINE Dunleavy already discussed such a scenario with the Nets front office – a JK sign-and-trade for Cam The Man (maybe get a third team involved) if JK and his agent desire too PHAT a bag of cash for the Dubs taste.
I’d be like, “JK, you KNOW you want to continue your ascension with us – and win a few more chips in the process – rather than go somewhere you’re gonna have to wait a few years before contending. You still have a lot to prove to us before that PHAT bag of shiny Benjamins is all yours to carry out whatever lavish lifestyle you have in mind. But tell ya what, JK….since we like you so much, you’re only gonna have to wait til the 2027-28 season for that dream to become a reality – when Steph/Dray/Buckets come off the books and seek out other life endeavors. Take our offer of $25M for ‘26 and ‘27….and then see those bundles of monetary joy rise so freakin’ high you’ll be singing to the heavens in NO time! We’re talkin’ $40M+ per once the keys are turned over to you, JK!! Take it or leave it, man!!”
That’s how I’d approach it, you guys.
Chosen Dud Are you crazy
Cam Johnson is barely a starter on a good team.
Look at his career stats. He’s 29 years old.
12 ppg career average.
13 ppg last year.
Zero upside. Zero chance Warriors trade JK for him.
Tallballer – “Lip service”? Further proof you’re clueless.
Warriors already made a formal offer to Kuminga of around $150M for 5 years, immediately before this season.(Kuminga didn’t sign because he wants more.)
One more time: formal offer. Not lip service.
Well, things are looking up for the Golden State Warriors. They were actually able to get the big dog. There’s very few of those guys and sure it comes with a risk but wow, the ceiling is the finals.
He’ll put you on his back and carry you there. We’ve seen that Several times from this guy. Will he be a good citizen for 2 1/2 years? I think so. He’s 35 and knows opportunities to make an impact in the playoffs are not easy to come by.
As long as Curry is healthy and Green remains an enforcer, and they have a decent bench they can make some noise. Should be exciting at the very least.
The last time I was this excited about an acquisition was when the Warriors brought in Andrew Bogut in exchange for Monte Ellis. Even though he wasn’t ready yet, seeing Bogut at the center circle opening night was worthy of major goosebumps.
Of course he then sat out the next month or so healing his knee, but That acquisition was definitely a biggie. It’s almost the same thing here with Butler. You just see him with the Warriors jersey on and can’t help but feel good about your chances to win the game.
There’s a respect and a swagger and experience and been there before and all of that stuff. Fingers crossed the optimism continues.
This isn’t a knock on your post but “make some noise” how?
By beating, OKC, Memphis, or Denver without home court advantage? Cuz that’s what you’re looking at in the first round, assuming they get out of the play in. I don’t see it.
I don’t think anyone is going to beat OKC home court or not but no it wouldn’t surprise me if the Warriors got the 7 seed after the play in. Then they’d be matched up with Denver, Memphis or the Lakers as the 2 seed most likely and yes, they can beat any of those three.
I agree OKC is the class of the west and perhaps the entire league. But Boston may have something to say about that, but the problem is they are too SGA reliant.
They don’t have another big dog though Jalen Williams is very very good.
Their defense, of course is top notch and That alone will carry them quite a ways. But if Alexander gets nicked up and is less effective because of it, OKC may not advance to the NBA finals like everyone, including me,expects them to.
Yes, I guess make some noise means win at least two rounds. If they get the 6 seed and they’re only 2 1/2 games back today, that means beating the three seed and the two seed. Then the Western Conference finals against the one seed.
Wiggins, Kuminga, and Butler are kind of similar players. The Warriors weren’t going forward with Wiggins and JK in the lineup. Wiggins has probably hit his ceiling and probably would have been traded in the off season. Butler gives Kuminga a mentor and target to shoot for. Butler is closer to the end of his career. When Butler, Curry and Draymond retire, the Warriors will have plenty of cap space to find complimentary pieces.
Giants74 you’ve had a lot of very good takes the last six months. Thumbs up all the way. Not saying I know anything but I believe your understanding of Hoops and Warriors and rosters, etc. is very good.
> Wiggins, Kuminga, and Butler are kind of similar
> players.
It’s true. Big, athletic, 2-way wings have become the most valuable player archetype in the NBA. It’s worth paying 2 of them big bucks, but no team can afford 3. Kuminga is taking Wiggins’ place.
I’ve seen/read a couple of Lacob interviews in recent days. With Butler’s seamless fit, it’s clear from what Lacob says that the next step is to integrate and maximize Kuminga.
There is a recurring theme with Lacob: we will count on, but won’t overload, Steph and Jimmy because they will wear down. Lacob and MJD say the team must “support” Kuminga’s emergence as a 3rd star to compete for a Chip.
Lacob says a goal is to have at least 2 of Steph, Butler and JK on the floor at once so that there is always an available matchup advantage.
My take: the elephant in the living room is Kerr’s treatment of Kuminga. Lacob and MDJ continually talk about the importance of “supporting” Kuminga for a reason. The public commitment to extending JK for big bucks further heightens the pressure on Kerr.
Ari, there is quite a bit of pressure on the young man to make it happen. If he doesn’t, I can see chosen dud scenario above, where it’s going to be a sign and trade for a different guy as number four.
I think so much of the success of this current season hinges on how Jonathan Kuminga performs. Curry will be curry and Jimmy sure adds a lot, and Greymond Green will do what he can but they need one more guy who can get a bucket or a stop when they need one.
Kuminga has to be that guy. I don’t see anyone else on the team right now. Hopefully the buyout market squeezes one more talent onto the roster, but JK must step up. The Warriors don’t have quite enough if he doesn’t.
How far they go in the playoffs is what’s riding on his return. If he can be a consistent 3rd scorer they have a chance.
I’m sure he will continue until its obvious to 100% of people that small ball is over, or should be used a LOT more sparingly than Kerr currently deploys them…its more “mid-sized ball + Steph” now.
I want to see a Dray-Kuminga-Jimmy-Moody-Curry lineup
I also want to see Looney/Post/TJD-Dray-Kuminga-Jimmy-Curry
I do not want to see, but bet I will anyway, a lineup of Jimmy-GP2-Moody-Hield-Curry, because Steve Kerr hates normal basketball.
My last hope for this part of the season we can get 1 more bigman on the buyout market and get another big on a 2W deal. I think we can be a top 4 team pretty easily this season as long as health permits.
Every single one of you who jumped off before the Jimmy trade, take note: I never did. I never once declared the season over, I never once hysterically called for a full rebuild or spouted nonsense that Steph’s now-annual Dec-Jan slump was this time the sign that his entire career was over, or worse, than Wiggins was better than Jimmy. I saw all of those comments in here, and you all know who you are and what comes next…
ydkb
and about the article:
1. Kuminga can only be traded for Giannis or KD. It makes sense he was in one of the many offers GSW put on the table trying to get KD here.
2. Butler is so loose right now, and he’s THIS good? He’s saying he isn’t even locked in yet??? Wow. Playoffs Jimmy en route? If GSW can chip and then flip Jimmy, Podz and picks for Giannis at the end of this season = mission accomplished.
3. The Warriors went right back to the November, 12-3 vibes. No idea why they can seemingly never or rarely cook in 1Q, they really need to pay more attention to that. But Jimmy instantly balanced this team, he added that second rudder who can also score. They are essentially replacing Wiggins and Schroder with Jimmy, Jimmy proving he clears both of those guys by a million miles by how much better GSW played instantly after he arrived.
4. “6 seed is the goal” They are 2 games out of the 6th seed right now. Don’t set your goals too high, Steve. GSW is only 5 games behind the Lakers, and GSW has an comically easy schedule from here on out. Why not shoot for 4th seed? Worst coach in the league right now.