NBA Rumors: Warriors, Jimmy Butler, Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Sixers, Mavericks

Warriors

Jimmy Butler is not going anywhere. At least not now.

Despite the Warriors exploring every possible angle ahead of February 5, Butler is not expected to be part of any in-season trade discussions following his season-ending ACL tear, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

That stance is not public posturing. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been consistent behind the scenes, Stein writes.

The contract matters. Butler is owed $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next year, making a midseason move far more complex than last year’s De’Anthony Melton situation.

The Warriors also point to results. They are 46-22 in games Butler has played since acquiring him and believe he can still factor into the back half of the 2026-27 season.

There is also a personal layer. Dunleavy played with Butler in Chicago and has known him for more than a decade. That history matters, especially at the start of a long rehab.

Grizzlies

If Memphis moves Ja Morant, it will not be quietly.

Stein notes Morant’s popularity locally is a real consideration, and the Grizzlies would struggle to sell fans on a light return built around veteran contracts. A package resembling Atlanta’s recent Trae Young deal would not cut it.

The problem is leverage. League interest has been real but measured. Memphis wants young players and draft capital. Getting both has proven difficult.

That leaves the Grizzlies walking a tightrope between value and optics.

Sixers/Mavericks

Roster mechanics are driving decisions in Philadelphia and Dallas.

According to Stein, the 76ers want to convert two-way players Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker to standard deals. They have one open roster spot but are operating in the tax.

The Mavericks face an even tighter squeeze. They want to promote Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse, but already sit at 15 players with little room under the second apron.

For both teams, the deadline is less about upgrades and more about solving the math.