Warriors turn attention to Jimmy Butler after failed Kevin Durant pursuit

Following their failed pursuit of Suns forward Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors have turned their attention to trying to acquire Jimmy Butler, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.

The Warriors’ attempts to acquire Butler come after Durant said he does not want to play for Golden State, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported on Wednesday. Gambadoro also said Durant loves Phoenix and does not want to be traded at all.

Stein wrote in The Stein Line Substack that Dennis Schröder’s expiring contract is a key component of the framework of the deal that the Warriors could put together to try and acquire Butler. Beginning Wednesday, Schröder’s $13 million contract could be moved for the first time.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported earlier this week that Butler was not interested in re-signing in Golden State and that was holding up a potential deal.

Butler has a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26, while Durant has one more season under contract beyond this year with a cap hit of $54.7 million.

If Butler declines his option, he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Both players could be extended.

Despite the Warriors’ interest in Butler, the Suns remain fixated on trying to trade for the disgruntled Heat star.

The trade deadline is Thursday at 1 p.m. MST.

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