The Golden State Warriors have their coach. What comes next is far less certain.
Steve Kerr agreed to a two-year deal, signaling the organization still intends to compete rather than reset. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are expected to remain central to that plan. League sources say Green is not being shopped.
One situation to monitor involves Jimmy Butler.
Sources tell Hoops Wire the Warriors could gauge Butler’s trade market this offseason as they evaluate the roster’s direction.
Butler is recovering from a torn right ACL suffered in January. He underwent surgery in February and is expected to miss nine to 12 months, placing a potential return in late 2026. He is 36 and under contract through 2026-27 after signing a two-year extension following his arrival from the Miami Heat.
He is owed $54.1 million next season and $56.8 million the year after.
That presents a dilemma.
Golden State needs to get younger while still maximizing the remaining window with Curry. The Western Conference is trending in that direction, led by teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors already reshaped part of the roster by moving Jonathan Kuminga and acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis, who is headed for unrestricted free agency this summer. Many around the league expect Golden State to attempt to retain him.
If Butler is made available, rival teams would likely weigh both his contract and recovery timeline. Any meaningful return could require the Warriors to include additional assets.
There is risk on either side. Trading Butler now could mean selling low. Keeping him depends on a strong return from injury at this stage of his career.
Kerr’s return offers stability. The harder decisions are just beginning.
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