Warriors' Jimmy Butler named trade candidate for Giannis Antetokounmpo reason

Jon Conahan

Warriors' Jimmy Butler named trade candidate for Giannis Antetokounmpo reason image

Over the past few years, it's been well known that the Golden State Warriors would be interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks if he ever becomes available. 

It's likely better for the Warriors to continue chasing other stars, as at this point, it isn't likely that Antetokounmpo will be dealt. 

However, that didn't stop Jedd Pagaduan of Clutch Points from naming Jimmy Butler as a potential trade candidate because of Antetokounmpo.

While the Bucks would certainly be looking for a lot more than just Butler, given how old he is, he noted that if Antetokounmpo requested a trade to the Warriors, Butler would have to be involved. 

MORE: Warriors trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to West rival

“This is not to say that the Warriors should actively shop Butler. After all, Butler has established himself as a valuable member of the franchise, both on and off the court, and he's an esteemed playoff performer who could have had another classic postseason run had it not been for his tailbone injury.

“But on the event that a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo's caliber requests a trade to the Warriors, then Butler should not be safe. In fact, by that point, only Curry should be guaranteed a spot on the roster,” he wrote

Butler is still a very good player, but he wasn't exactly dominant with the Warriors, something the team will need to see more of next year. 

However, considering he was traded during the middle of the season, and the Warriors dealt with an injury to Stephen Curry in the postseason, it's also tough to blame him too much. A few months under his belt may change that, and many expect that to be the case.

Jon Conahan

Jon Conahan is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A 2022 Penn State University graduate who majored in journalism, he was also a member of the school's D1 baseball team. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Heavy and other outlets. Jon makes home in North Jersey, but also resides in Cape Coral, Florida, for parts of the year. He’s an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins and Milwaukee Bucks.