NBA Notes: Warriors, Stephen Curry, Bulls, Tre Jones, Heat

Warriors

The loss of Jimmy Butler has hit hard in Golden State. According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, the Warriors loved what they were building with Butler alongside Stephen Curry, and his season-ending ACL tear has been emotionally difficult for the team.

Curry admitted the adjustment has been challenging.

“We have to make the necessary adjustments to try to keep a semblance of our identity,” Curry said. “Emotionally we have to move on as fast as possible.”

The Warriors have reportedly assured Butler they want him back next season once healthy. A trade is not currently in the plans.

Bulls

The Bulls will be without Tre Jones for at least a couple of weeks after he was diagnosed with a strained left hamstring. The team said he will be reevaluated in two weeks, which likely puts him out through the All-Star break.

Jones has been a steadying presence in his first full season in Chicago, averaging 12.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals while starting 20 games. He is not a high-volume three-point shooter, but he has been efficient inside the arc and reliable at the line.

More importantly, he has protected the ball, posting an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio.

He also played a meaningful role in Chicago’s recent three-game winning streak, including Thursday’s win in Minnesota, where he may have suffered the injury.

The Bulls are just 2-4 without Jones this season. Josh Giddey, who recently returned from his own hamstring issue, is expected to take on more playmaking responsibility.

Heat

Rookie center Kel’el Ware missed another game with a right hamstring strain and will also sit out this weekend.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said the injury does not appear long-term, but Ware has been sent home for treatment as the team awaits progress, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.