Overview
- The team confirmed Butler tore his right ACL and will undergo surgery at a later date, ending his season.
- ESPN’s Marc Spears reports a Butler trade before Feb. 5 is viewed as doubtful due to his contract and the Warriors’ reluctance to add salary.
- Cap analyst Bobby Marks notes the disabled-player exception window has closed, limiting Golden State’s ability to add help without a trade.
- Steve Kerr said Jonathan Kuminga could “absolutely” return to the rotation; Shams Charania reports Kuminga demanded a trade and the Kerr relationship is viewed as fractured, with Dallas and Sacramento showing interest.
- Analysts widely view a deep playoff run as unlikely now, as debate intensifies over conserving future picks or pursuing a bold move suggested in columns, such as a bid for Lauri Markkanen.