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NBA Trade Rumors: Potential Jimmy Butler Replacement Ruled Out for GS Warriors
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- NBA Trade Rumors: Potential Jimmy Butler Replacement Ruled Out for GS Warriors
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The Golden State Warriors stood a month out from the NBA trade deadline envisioning being buyers, with the hope of acquiring a starter who could help the team reach the next tier in the Western Conference. Weeks later, the team now has to ponder finding a Jimmy Butler replacement.
However, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic , Golden State won't be looking nearby for a scoring punch. Amick reported this week that the Sacramento Kings have been informed the Warriors have absolutely no interest in trading for DeMar DeRozan .
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DeRozan, age 36, has been shopped by Sacramento for months. However, outside of the Los Angeles Clippers , there has been minimal reported interest in the 36-year-old scorer ahead of the NBA trade deadline. While DeRozan could provide some midrange scoring for Golden State, he is also 36 years old and the team reportedly does not want to add salary.
After the season-ending injury to Butler, Sacramento might have been hopeful that it could interest Golden State in a deal centered around swapping DeRozan for Jonathan Kuminga . The Kings have been linked in NBA rumors to the 6-foot-8 forward since the offseason, but the Warriors have been adamant about wanting a first-round pick back for Kuminga. As of now, it appears far more likely that Golden State will keep Kuminga past the trade deadline and then try to move the disgruntled forward this offseason.
Read More: Sacramento Kings Almost Certain to Trade Key Player
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Warriors Interested in Two Key Players
While Golden State has no interest in acquiring DeRozan, it is eyeing a deal with another seller in the Western Conference. Amick wrote that the Warriors have strong interest in New Orleans Pelicans wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
However, much to the dismay of Golden State, New Orleans has not backed down from its demands in any potential deal for Jones or Murphy. The Pelicans informed teams earlier this month that it would take a whole lot to convince them to even entertain moving Jones, requiring multiple first-round picks and additional assets.
With the Warriors seemingly unwilling to add salary, not lowering their asking price in a Kuminga trade, and having assets with diminished value ( Moses Moody ), there are very few avenues to upgrading the roster. The Butler injury was a massive blow for an organization that seemed to be realizing its championship window had closed. As of now, it seems like Golden State will be quiet at the deadline.
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