The Golden State Warriors were finally finding rhythm when everything shifted in an instant. A season-ending torn ACL to Jimmy Butler III didn’t just remove a key contributor; it forced a franchise-level recalibration with the trade deadline looming.
Now, with urgency replacing patience, league insiders believe Golden State could be preparing to move on from Jonathan Kuminga in favor of a proven veteran scorer who can stabilize the season and keep postseason hopes alive.
Jimmy Butler Injury Forces Golden State’s Hand
According to reports from Shams Charania, the Warriors are expected to seek alternatives after losing Jimmy Butler III, whose injury left what Charania called a “gaping hole” in the lineup. One name that’s quickly gaining attention is DeMar DeRozan, the six-time All-Star currently playing for the Sacramento Kings.
NBA analyst Jake Weinbach floated a trade concept that would send DeRozan to Golden State in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and additional pieces.
Evan Sidery later confirmed that a framework involving Kuminga plus salary filler is legally viable under the cap.
The reasoning is pretty straightforward. Before his injury, Butler was averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting a career-high 51.9% from the field. His ability to drive to the basket and his defensive skills helped propel the Warriors to a 9-3 run that firmly placed them in the playoff conversation.
Without him, Golden State is missing a dependable half-court scorer aside from Stephen Curry.
DeRozan offers that immediately. At 36, he is averaging 19.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 50.8% shooting in his second season with Sacramento. While he does not replace Butler’s defense or spacing, his isolation scoring and late-clock reliability could prevent Golden State’s offense from stalling.
The move would also signal a clear shift regarding Kuminga. Once viewed as a core piece, his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr has reportedly deteriorated, and Charania described it as “fractured beyond repair.” With Butler out of the picture, the Warriors don’t feel the pressure to make a quick fix, but they do have a noticeable gap in their rotation and an asset whose value might not bounce back without a fresh start.
Golden State sits at 25–19, behind the Lakers and Suns in the Western Conference. The front office must now balance competing timelines. Butler is unlikely to be traded due to his injury and $56.8 million player option. That reality shifts the spotlight entirely onto Kuminga as the most realistic path to meaningful roster change.
DeRozan’s three-year, $73.89 million contract fits the Warriors’ window better than a long-term developmental bet. It keeps the team competitive now while preserving flexibility later.
Nothing is imminent, and all discussions remain exploratory. But with Butler out and Curry’s prime still ticking, the Warriors appear closer than ever to choosing certainty over potential. How they resolve the Kuminga situation before February 5 may determine whether this season drifts or stays alive.
