The Golden State Warriors have made a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler, but the move has left many questioning the team’s motivations. According to reporters, including Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II on the “Warriors Plus Minus” podcast, it seemed like the front office felt forced into the deal.
The prevailing sentiment is that the Dubs’ executives, particularly owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., made the decision without input from star Steph Curry and head coach Steve Kerr. While there was some “green lighting” from Curry and Kerr earlier in the season, they reportedly expressed reservations about bringing Butler to the team.
Co-host Marcus Thompson II suggested that the Warriors’ journey to making the trade felt like a case of recklessness, where they were eager to make a move without fully considering the consequences. Anthony Slater countered that the team realized there was little risk involved, as they weren’t jeopardizing a team on the rise.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also weighed in, stating that the Warriors must have gotten tired of waiting for an opportunity, particularly after the possibility of a Kevin Durant trade fell through. However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon offered a different perspective, saying that while the Warriors did chase a star in Jimmy Butler, they didn’t pay a desperate price.
The move has left many wondering if it was a positive or negative development for the team, and the word “desperate” seems to be a constant theme.
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/warriors-brutal-assessment-jimmy-butler-trade-20151678.php