The Golden State Warriors started strong, blazing through the league with a 12-3 record. But as time passed, the cracks began to show. Rivals exposed Coach Kerr’s strategies and pounced on every weakness. Calls for change grew louder, though Jonathan Kuminga earned fans’ support with his energy. Yet, a burning question remains: who will step up for Stephen Curry with Klay Thompson gone?

Comes in Dennis Schroder. The Bay Area front office has made a desperate attempt.

However, this splashy deal, and a cheap one, might we add, could be the one to change the team’s fate. But, now, you be the judge, can there be a trade story without twists? No.

Unique NBA trade rule with a ‘narrow’ window could help Steve Kerr keep Jonathan Kuminga and get Jimmy Butler

Dub Nation wants Jonathan Kuminga to play more and fulfill his star potential. Recent games have shown the 22-year-old’s talent, sparking debates about his future: keep or lose him? However, the Schroder trade could push him out if the Warriors seek more additions. But with the team close to the luxury tax’s first apron, exceptions might help them chase Jimmy Butler while keeping JK.

On Sunday, NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer talked about the Dubs’ latest trade that got them their $13 million easy deal. They had to trade the injured De’Anthony Melton, three draft picks, and Reece Beekman to the Brooklyn Nets. But of course, the return has been rewarding. As much as the Dub Nation would love to see Schroder playing alongside Steph or Jonathan Kuminga, there is a chance that the team could get an appropriate Jimmy Butler deal.

“Schroder can still be packaged with other Warriors in a subsequent trade this season because the Brooklyn deal was completed before Dec. 16,” their column reads. In simple terms, the Warriors can continue to be a trade suitor for Miami’s Jimmy Butler or any other star-level players they wish to pursue before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. But how is this possible?

Players traded on Dec. 15 or 16 can be moved again right before the deadline, thanks to an exception.

The CBA says: “If a Team acquires a Player Contract pursuant to an Exception on or before December 15 of a Salary Cap Year, then the foregoing restriction shall not apply in the event the player is subsequently traded on or after the day prior to the NBA trade deadline of such Salary Cap Year.”

Trading a player too often seems like a distant past. Now, the NBA says the base period for re-trade is 60 days.

However, here is the problem: The clock is ticking for teams with just 53 days between the trade window opening (Dec. 15) and the deadline (Feb. 6). For those above the first luxury tax apron, the new collective bargaining agreement tightens the noose with stricter trade restrictions. However, there is always a silver lining like the above-mentioned exception for things as tricky as this one.

What does this mean for the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler, and Dennis Schroder? Yes, all these names are now a part of the same garland, and one strategy (good or bad) will collectively decide their fates. Well, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob are looking to build a championship-winning team revolving around Stephen Curry. For that, they do have the liberty to pursue the vet forward Jimmy Butler. The Golden State Warriors have permission to re-trade Schroder in combination with outgoing additional salary.

Therefore, it means that it will make enough monetary space for the Bay Area team to chase the side that has Jimmy Butler while maintaining dedicated players like Jonathan Kuminga on the team, in what would be a massive win scenario! This has to be good news for the Dub Nation and Draymond Green, who have been loud about their adoration for JK and his game style.

Jonathan Kuminga & Co. are at the ‘advantage end’ with the Schroder deal

It’s never easy for any team to flourish with just one centerpiece. As long as Klay Thompson was on the team, it was relatively easier for Steve Kerr to set his plans around the Splash Brothers with Draymond taking charge of the defense while the other two ravished the offense. But since Thompson’s exit, it has been only Steph on the frontline. While Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga continued to get less time on the court, sadly ineffective players like Brandin Podziemski hit just 24.7% of 3-pointers and got more floor minutes.

But with Dennis Schroder on the team, this trouble could be solved. The 31-year-old German superstar is currently having one of the best seasons of his career. He is the kind of player to always make it to the starting lineup. Moreover, he is the reliable kind.

Now, imagine the Warriors acquire Jimmy Butler- a veteran with 6 All-Star badges and 14 seasons of experience. Keeping aside his injury troubles, Butler could become the key to a fifth ring for the Green-Curry duo. But then, Dennis Schroder could also be the same!

It all comes down to what the Warriors front office wants to do with the team. Do they settle with Dennis Schroder and possibly watch Kuminga leave? Or, pursue Jimmy Butler and keep JK on the team? While the latter would seem to make a bit more sense, keeping GSW’s love for their young unit in mind, it’s a riddle that they must solve in their 53-day period. Things are heating up, are they not?