Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury might have spelled doom for the Golden State Warriors, who are already struggling with their rotation. In the third quarter of their game against the Miami Heat, the 6-foot-6 small forward was seen in pain after contact with his knee while contesting a rebound.
Butler has been on and off the court due to his injury concerns, and once again, it seems fans won’t be able to witness Jimmy Buckets further this season. Last season as well, he played 55 games in total with the Heat and the Warriors.
However, there is one silver lining for the team management: the trade deadline is still two weeks away. As per the league’s Disabled Player Exemption, they are allowed to sign a replacement after a player suffers a season-ending injury.
Although Jimmy Butler, who is on a two-year $110 million deal, takes up more than 30% of the cap space, his injury will make it difficult for the team to get a decent return. Let’s look at three such players with somewhat bad contracts, whom the Warriors can target before the trade deadline expires.
1. Jaren Jackson Jr.
When Jaren Jackson Jr. was drafted fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, the team saw him as a generational talent alongside a superstar like Ja Morant. However, that pairing has not given results. Although JJJ has had a steady growth in the league, the last few seasons have been more or less flat.
JJJ could not come out of Morant’s stardom, and conversations about the guard’s future have added to their difficulties. He is averaging 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds this season, which has also been under scrutiny, given his size (6-foot-10).
With his contract coming to an end next season, the Warriors can look to accommodate him before the deadline. Moreover, his defensive abilities and wing shooting can help in the absence of Jimmy Butler.
2. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine has had an underperforming season compared to his last few, averaging 19.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The Big 3 in Sacramento have not given the desired results to the team, and LaVine might be the biggest mismatch.
He seemed like a completely different LaVine playing for the Chicago Bulls, but he has failed to translate that in Sacramento. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls, which might be too much for the team, given his offensive woes.
LaVine’s name has been in trade talks lately, and the Warriors can capitalize on the opportunity. He is an explosive forward known to make unexpected plays, shooting an efficient 39.8% from the field in 2025-26.
3. Paul George
Paul George is on a 4-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, which he signed in 2024. Given that his salary takes up a third of the cap space, the versatile forward has failed to do what he is best at, averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Even though he is suffering an offensive slump this season, Steph Curry’s genius can give him renewed energy. His shooting on the perimeter will add to an area that the team management has been looking to strengthen.
READ MORE: 3 Trades Warriors Should Make After Jimmy Butler’s ACL Tear
How Long Is Jimmy Butler Out For? Return Timeline, Recovery and More on ACL Injuries
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