Golden State Warriors Eye DeMar DeRozan as Jimmy Butler Replacement Amid Trade Talks

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring bold options to fill the void left by Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL, with six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan emerging as a potential target, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.

The Warriors, perennial championship contenders led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, were dealt a severe blow when Butler, their key midseason acquisition meant to bolster their frontcourt versatility and defensive toughness, suffered a devastating injury. With the playoffs approaching, Golden State is facing a dilemma: how to replace Butler’s scoring, playmaking, and leadership without disrupting team chemistry.

Charania hinted that DeRozan, currently with the Sacramento Kings, may fit Golden State’s immediate needs. “Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler? But one way or another, the Warriors are about to find out where they stand with Jonathan Kuminga this season,” Charania said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the Warriors’ roster construction.

Trade Framework and Potential Package

Reports suggest that a swap involving Jonathan Kuminga plus a veteran minimum contract could be a viable framework to acquire DeRozan. Forbes’ Evan Sidery noted that such a deal is legally permissible under the NBA’s collective bargaining rules and salary cap regulations.

Kuminga, a former top-five draft pick and a player with immense upside, has reportedly struggled to find consistency in his role under head coach Steve Kerr. Sources indicate that his relationship with Kerr has become “fractured beyond repair,” making him a logical trade asset for the Warriors. By packaging Kuminga with a minimal-salary player, Golden State could add DeRozan’s experience without exceeding luxury tax constraints or compromising future flexibility.

DeRozan, now in his second season with Sacramento, has continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess and leadership. This season, he is averaging 19.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 43 games, shooting 50.8% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range. His ability to create midrange shots, navigate the pick-and-roll, and finish at the rim provides a contrasting offensive style to the Warriors’ perimeter-heavy attack but could mesh well with Curry’s spacing and Thompson’s sharpshooting.

Why DeRozan Makes Sense for Golden State

Golden State’s search for a Butler replacement goes beyond mere statistics. Butler provided not only scoring but also defensive intensity and playoff-tested leadership. While DeRozan isn’t known for elite perimeter defense, his size, strength, and veteran experience could stabilize the rotation in high-pressure situations.

Offensively, DeRozan’s midrange game offers a dimension the Warriors haven’t emphasized in recent years. His ability to isolate and create his own shot would relieve Curry and Thompson from constant defensive attention, preventing defenses from collapsing solely on Golden State’s shooters. Furthermore, DeRozan’s experience in playoff atmospheres—he has made multiple deep postseason runs with the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and now Sacramento Kings—could be invaluable for a team aiming for another championship run.

Moreover, acquiring DeRozan would signal Golden State’s willingness to remain competitive in the short term, even at the cost of a promising young asset like Kuminga. While some fans may lament parting with the athletic forward, the move prioritizes winning now over future potential, a philosophy that has guided the franchise successfully in the past.

Sacramento Kings’ Perspective

From Sacramento’s standpoint, a trade involving DeRozan for Kuminga and a veteran minimum contract could be equally beneficial. The Kings would gain a high-upside forward in Kuminga, who could develop into a cornerstone alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

Kuminga’s athleticism and defensive versatility align with the Kings’ long-term vision of a faster, switch-heavy roster. While DeRozan remains productive, the Kings may view this trade as an opportunity to shed salary and acquire a younger player who can grow with the franchise. The veteran minimum contract component ensures financial flexibility and minimal disruption to the team’s salary structure.

DeRozan’s 36 years of age may also influence Sacramento’s decision. While he remains effective, the Kings might prefer to leverage his value now rather than risk a decline in performance over the next few seasons. By trading him for a younger, cost-controlled player, Sacramento can balance immediate competitiveness with future sustainability.

Other Options Still on the Table

While DeRozan is a compelling candidate, reports indicate that all options remain open for Golden State. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted that a Jimmy Butler trade cannot be completely ruled out, suggesting that the Warriors are exploring multiple avenues to manage roster challenges, including potential buyouts, free-agent signings, or alternative trades.

However, the focus on DeRozan underscores the urgency of the situation. With the playoffs looming, Golden State requires an immediate solution rather than a long-term developmental project. DeRozan’s veteran experience, scoring consistency, and leadership could provide a stopgap to keep the Warriors competitive at the highest level.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Reactions to the potential trade have been mixed. Warriors fans recognize the value of adding a proven All-Star like DeRozan but express concern about losing Kuminga, a player with significant upside and athletic potential. Analysts, meanwhile, debate how DeRozan’s midrange-heavy style will integrate into Golden State’s pace-and-space offense, traditionally predicated on three-point shooting and floor spacing.

Some analysts view the trade as a calculated risk: Golden State sacrifices youth and future flexibility for immediate stability and scoring in Butler’s absence. Others argue that DeRozan’s veteran presence and postseason experience could be exactly what the Warriors need to maintain their championship window despite a significant injury setback.

Looking Ahead

If the trade comes to fruition, the Warriors would send a clear message: their focus remains on winning now. DeRozan would become the centerpiece of a retooled lineup alongside Curry, Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins, giving Golden State a versatile offensive attack capable of contending with any playoff team.

For Sacramento, acquiring Kuminga positions the franchise for long-term growth, providing a dynamic young player to pair with their existing stars while preserving financial flexibility.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Golden State’s front office. The decision to pursue DeRozan—or explore alternative paths—will have significant implications for both franchises’ short-term ambitions and long-term trajectories. One thing is clear: in the high-stakes environment of the NBA, the ripple effects of Jimmy Butler’s injury are already shaping the league’s landscape in unexpected ways.