As trade eligibilities kick in, NBA teams are beginning to aim at roster repairs. Among the most active are the Golden State Warriors who made an immediate play to welcome Dennis Schroder from the Nets. Still, their objective is far from achieved. They want to pair Stephen Curry with an All-Star with the view to maximize and strengthen their championship window. This is where the aspirations of Jimmy Butler begin.

Given his unsteady relationship with the Miami Heat front office at the moment, reports have emerged of a possible move for the All-Star forward. Shams Charania reported the Bay to be among his preferred destinations, but that comes with its roadblocks. According to Chris Mannix, a “bidding war” for Butler is likely to ensue giving Miami all the leverage they need.

“There are three or four teams that need a Jimmy Butler and when you have three of four teams clamoring, that gives you a chance to maximize your value,” he mentioned. That means Heat will be the dictator of any negotiation, and with the Warriors, that could mean parting ways with Jonathan Kuminga.

Given how influential he has been this season for Steve Kerr, the Bay would hesitate given Jimmy Butler turns 36 in September. But what if they could satisfy their urge for an All-Star and potentially get a franchise cornerstone for the future? In what Bobby Marks dubs as a ‘lesser risk’ could be to move in on Zion Williamson.

Much of the buzz is because of the former number-one picks unique contract. To insure themselves from his injury history, the Pelicans’ clause have spun a web where Williamson’s final three years aren’t guaranteed. With New Orleans falling short this season, Marks feels they could find a friendly deal without having to give up key contributors such as Kuminga.

“If you’re going out an pursuing him there is a less of a risk taking him on… So I think Zion would make sense if you’re giving up a first round pick and one or two players max. Not giving up Jonathan Kuminga, probably not even Bradin Podziemski as far as like if it’s Wiggins and an expiring contract,” he explained on 95.7 The Game.

This could mean clubbing Wiggins’ 26 million with Schroder’s contract. But not only is such a fruitful exchange contingent on the Pelicans’ stand, but would the Warriors be tempted by Zion Williamson?

Why the Warriors wouldn’t make a trade for Zion Williamson

It’s no secret that when active, Zion Williamson is among the most explosive rim crashers in the NBA. He had a strong start to his campaign averaging 22.6 points in the first six games and in the best shape of his life as per reports. However, the injury virus struck him down again, this time a hamstring injury which has ruled him out.

That’s one of the major reasons the Golden State Warriors may not consider such a move. Yes, they wouldn’t pose a risk because they can offload Zion Williamson at any time with his contract. But their priority is to harbor a superstar besides Stephen Curry and Draymond Green who elevates them to championship status.

One of the key requirements to do so is the ability to stay healthy. In that regard, Andrew Wiggins has been a bright light thus far, playing 21 of the 25 games thus far. Furthermore, the atomic forward looks to have found his vintage flow, averaging 17.7 points and shooting 43.8% from three this season.

Then there is also the New Orleans Pelicans’ trust in Zion Williamson. Apart from having a contract that favors them, recent reports also suggest the Pelicans want to continue building around the Duke phenom. Charania reported that the franchise has “no intention of waiving Zion Williamson” seeing as the centerpiece of their future.

Hence, even though it might be safer, it doesn’t look like the Warriors will look to deal for Zion Williamson.