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The Golden State Warriors<\/a> have some big decisions to make ahead of the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n They’re reportedly one of the leading candidates to get their hands on LeBron James<\/a>, though they’re facing some steep competition around the league.<\/p>\n Notably, landing James might give them one too many mouths to feed, and they would probably have to consider parting ways with Jimmy Butler.<\/p>\n However, according to<\/a> Nick Friedell of The Athletic, other teams might actually ask for a first-round pick attached to his contract.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Warriors could find a way to get off the final year of Butler\u2019s contract, but that would likely require parting with at least one future first-round pick,\u201d Friedell wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Warriors have been historically hesitant to move first-round selections, though they could change their approach if that means making one final championship run.<\/p>\n Then again, there’s also the human factor, as Butler has been more than open about his desire to stay with the Warriors for the remainder of his career.<\/p>\n \u201cThose assets have never been more valuable in the modern game, given the new lottery system and tightening salary cap constraints. It would also send away a player in Butler who wants to finish his career in the Bay and has a solid relationship with the Warriors\u2019 front office. Butler was the Warriors\u2019 big swing \u2014 a last hope \u2014 to salvage the end of Curry\u2019s prime,\u201d Friedell added.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Butler is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury. He’s slated to make $56.8 million in 2027 before hitting free agency again at 38 years old, according to\u00a0Spotrac<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Considering this context, the Warriors might be better off trying to figure things out, money-wise and in terms of who’s on the court, as giving up a first-round pick to move on from a player on an expiring deal is just poor asset management.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe Warriors would have to pay to move Jimmy Butler<\/h2>\n
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