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Ever since Jimmy Butler demanded a trade from Miami, there have been speculations about a potential move to the Warriors. Well, the Bay Area franchise is currently ranked twelfth in the West standings and Joe Lacob is actively searching for a star to pair alongside Stephen Curry to boost their chances of contending for the title. But as good as the Steph-Butler pairing sounds, the Baby-Faced Assassin does not seem too thrilled about his team making moves in “desperation.”

Addressing the necessity to make a trade before the February deadline, Steph said, “Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, like there is a responsibility on keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done.” Obviously, acquiring a star like Jimmy Butler would require the Warriors to give up several valuable assets, maybe even break up their young core.

However, an aging Stephen Curry understands that there is not much time left in his career and he wants to leave his team in a good place after he retires. And that would require Joe Lacob to hold on to the current assets. He continued, “You wanna continue to get better. Nobody wants to be stale or be in a situation where you’re passing up opportunities. But it doesn’t mean that you’re desperate just flinging assets all around the place just cuz you wanna do something.”

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Of course, Stephen Curry’s reluctance could cause hindrance in the Butler pursuit despite the Warriors’ rumored interest in the Heat star. However, Stephen A. Smith seems to have a different outlook on the situation. Putting himself in Joe Lacob’s shoes, the veteran analyst warned the Warriors to do everything they could and go all in with Steph while he is still playing at a high level!

“You’re wasting away. So even though I appreciate what he said, it’s hard to believe that he believes that. If he does believe it, God bless him, but I don’t give a damn. If I’m Joe Lacob, I’m like, ‘What’s the chances… of me finding another Steph Curry? What are the chances of me pulling that off? I gotta capitalize and max this out!”

Yes, Stephen Curry is a generational superstar and if the Warriors can get one more title run with him by making a trade, Stephen A. believes they should damn well take that leap. However, Butler might not be available for the taking anyway!

Jimmy Bulter could stay in Miami despite “ugly standoff” with Pat Riley

Well, reports suggest that the Warriors and Nuggets are among the few destinations Butler prefers. However, vet analyst Bill Reiter pointed out two major hurdles in making that trade happen. Obviously, the first one is Butler’s “ugly standoff” with Pat Riley. With their relationship going downhill, there is a belief that Riley might not send JB where he wants to go “just out of spite and frustration.”

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Steph Curry right to prioritize the Warriors' future over a desperate trade for Jimmy Butler?

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Even if he agrees, though, the problems don’t end there. Jimmy Butler is looking for a massive contract extension, which many teams might be unwilling to give him, now that he is 35 years old with an injury history. So, if JB doesn’t find potential suitors, he might be forced to set his differences aside with Pat Riley and opt into his $52.4 million player option to remain in Miami.

As a neutral, just a question- why would any front office want to seemingly ‘overpay’ for Butler, in a deal packaged with drama creeping in after a few seasons? Mind you, this playoff specialist from Miami has an embarrassing track record of staying on the good side of the locker room.

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Moreover, he is set to have a meeting with Heat owner Micky Arison to discuss his future as his seven-game suspension comes to an end soon. And if they decide to extend their partnership, the Warriors will have to look at other trade options in the market. Maybe a Nikola Vucevic or Cameron Johnson pursuit will be in play then. What do you think Joe Lacob should do following Steph’s comments?

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Is Steph Curry right to prioritize the Warriors' future over a desperate trade for Jimmy Butler?