Warriors
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made it clear to his team that the time to win had arrived following the trade deadline acquisition of Jimmy Butler, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The complex five-team deal, finalized last month, brought the star forward to the Warriors, fulfilling Dunleavy’s long-sought goal of adding a key piece to the roster.
“I told them, ‘It’s time to win,’” Dunleavy said. “Whatever happened this season thus far where we’ve had some tough losses and our record isn’t what it needs to be, this signals it’s time to win, no f****** around. We’ll see where we can get to.”
The message resonated with the Warriors, who have responded with a 13-1 record in games Butler has played. Since February 8, Golden State has posted the third-best defensive rating in the NBA (108.7) and the third-best offensive rating (121.5), moving into the top six in the Western Conference standings.
Dunleavy, who played with Butler during their time together in Chicago, noted that their prior relationship gave him a “level of comfort” in making the trade and extending Butler with a two-year, $111 million deal.
“I think there’s a talent level that he brings that we needed at the top of the roster,” Dunleavy said. “There’s also a presence, a competitiveness, and an IQ. We need all those things on the court and in big moments. I think it raises the level of all of our players. Not only our role players but also (Stephen Curry) and (Draymond Green) to know they’ve got another guy with them that they can look around and feel like, ‘All right, we’ve got a chance.’”
Bulls
Bulls guard Josh Giddey is approaching the end of his rookie contract and is poised to become one of the most closely watched restricted free agents this offseason. Appearing on ESPN’s Nothing But Net podcast with Kane Pitman, Brian Windhorst highlighted Immanuel Quickley’s five-year, $162.5 million deal as a potential benchmark for Giddey’s contract negotiations.
While Giddey may not command quite that level of money, a figure around $30 million annually is seen as a likely target, reflecting the current market for starting point guards. Last fall, reports indicated that Giddey’s camp had sought a rookie scale extension worth $30 million per year.
However, Giddey’s path to restricted free agency could be more complicated than it initially appears. Windhorst noted that if Giddey does not receive an enticing offer sheet from an outside team, the Bulls could leverage their position. In that case, Giddey would have the option to sign a one-year qualifying offer and re-enter the market as an unrestricted free agent the following year.
Additionally, Windhorst pointed out that the Bulls’ recent extension of point guard Lonzo Ball could bolster the team’s negotiating position. Despite this, Giddey was acquired in a trade for Alex Caruso, signaling the Bulls’ long-term commitment to him. A similar situation unfolded last year with restricted free agent Patrick Williams, and all signs now point to a likely extension for Giddey.
Since being given a larger role, Giddey has been playing at a high level, averaging 20.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks over his last 15 games. He is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Heat
Former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins is still adjusting to an expanded offensive role with the Miami Heat, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Wiggins, who was acquired from Golden State in the trade for Jimmy Butler, has seen his time in Miami interrupted by a right ankle sprain, causing him to miss five games before returning for the past two.
“It has been great,” Wiggins said of his increased usage. “It’s something I love to do. I love getting the ball, driving, just doing whatever I can to help the team win, most importantly.”
Despite the positive outlook, Wiggins acknowledged that he’s still in the process of adapting.
“Just getting adjusted, getting situated. Just trying to figure out all the sets and picking my spots on the floor and building up that chemistry,” he said. “Seeing what everyone likes to do, everyone’s spots. But it’s coming along.”
As he works to build rapport with his new teammates, Wiggins remains confident in his ability to improve.
“I feel like I will get better with each game, experience just as the chemistry builds, especially around these guys,” he said. “I feel like I will be better.”
