Warriors assure Jimmy Butler that he won’t be traded

Golden State has drawn a line, at least for now.

The Warriors have informed Jimmy Butler that they do not plan to trade him as he rehabs from a torn ACL, according to Nick Friedell of The Athletic.

That message has been consistent internally, even as the league’s attention has shifted toward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer and Marc Stein have reported there are strong indications Golden State’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo is unlikely to involve Butler’s contract. Both players are on max deals, but Butler’s season-ending injury has complicated the math and the timing.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. previously said he did not expect Butler to be traded following the injury. That stance has held, even as Milwaukee began listening to offers for Giannis.

Around the league, the belief remains that Stephen Curry is the only Warrior considered untouchable in any Giannis discussions. If Butler is not included for salary matching, that shifts attention toward Draymond Green.

Green addressed the possibility directly.

“I’ve been here for 14 years,” he said. “If I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep.”

Inside the locker room, the deadline has created a familiar tension.

“It’s hard on all of us,” said Al Horford, via Monte Poole of NBC Bay Area.