The NBA league is always full of unexpected events, as it is a commercial stage where all team owners aim to make money, and players come here as workers. Therefore, we should not be surprised by anything that happens. The Golden State Warriors are undoubtedly one of the most successful teams in the 21st century, having won four championship trophies after the year 2010. Stephen Curry has also risen to become one of the top 15 players in history, and some fans and media even believe he has become the gatekeeper of the top 10 in history. However, the Warriors have recently been experiencing difficulties, suffering from the aftermath of winning championships, and they may even fail to enter the playoffs.
After winning the championship in 2022, the Warriors retained their starting lineup, but they let go of many role players who were indispensable. Once these players left, it was difficult to replace them. Last season, the Warriors did not make it to the playoffs, which put them under intense scrutiny. Many fans believed that Curry's NBA career would not yield a fifth championship, and this season has seen a cliff-like decline for Curry, losing his peak sharpness.
At this critical moment, American media proposed a trade plan for the Warriors: sending Andrew Wiggins, Bjelica, and a first-round pick to acquire Jimmy Butler. This trade plan is quite feasible, as the Heat need young talent, while the Warriors need immediate combat power, making it a win-win situation.
Butler averages 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 55.2% and an average of 0.5 three-pointers made per game at a 37.5% clip.
Although Butler's regular-season stats are not much different from Wiggins', his impact in the playoffs is significantly greater. Butler tends to conserve energy during the regular season but unleashes his full potential in the playoffs, which is one of the reasons why the Heat often struggle in the regular season but pull off remarkable comebacks in the playoffs. Despite his low three-point output and shooting percentage, no one dares to leave him open during the playoffs. Butler is also adept at drawing fouls, using his skills and physical contact to earn free throw opportunities. His breakthrough skills are excellent, and he has held his own against elite forwards like Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, even dominating over Jrue Holiday.
Initially known for his defense, Butler has been selected to the All-Defensive Team. Even at the age of 35, his defense remains second to none. He leads the charge defensively, always being the most proactive player, which is why the Heat have reached the finals twice. He influences the entire team's defensive atmosphere. Butler's strong defensive will and physicality, combined with his penchant for stealing the ball, exert immense pressure on opponents, affecting their mentality. He is also skilled at grabbing rebounds, primarily due to his high level of rebounding activity, keen sense of where the ball will land, and ability to judge its trajectory. Butler's one-on-one defensive capabilities are outstanding, and no one can easily get past him, even if you're Kevin Durant.
If Butler joins the Warriors, he will undoubtedly elevate their offensive and defensive levels. The Warriors' starting lineup would then consist of Curry, Schroder, Butler, Green, and TJD, with bench players such as Kuminga, Little Payton, Hield, and others. Making the playoffs would be a certainty, and there's even a chance of reaching the finals. Some fans might think that giving up Wiggins isn't worth it, but I believe Butler's star status far surpasses Wiggins'. For example, replacing Butler with Wiggins in 2020 or 2023 would have prevented the Heat from reaching the finals, possibly even leading to a first-round exit.
If Butler truly joins the Warriors, they will truly possess a four-giant lineup. Although they may not be as invincible as in 2017, Curry will still have the opportunity to chase his fifth championship.
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