Life got significantly worse for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Despite defeating the Miami Heat convincingly and improving to 25-19 on the year, the franchise discovered that Jimmy Butler will miss the rest of the year due to a torn ACL.
The Golden State has two main options to consider moving forward after Butler’s devastating injury news. The seven-time NBA champions could either complete an emergency trade to help keep their championship hopes alive or begin rebuilding by moving on from their future Hall of Fame point guard.
Sportsnaut’s Jason Burgos believes the Dubs should choose the latter and close their slim title window.
“On Monday night, their championship hopes again went down the toilet when Butler suffered a heartbreaking ACL tear in their win over the Miami Heat,” Burgos wrote Tuesday. “It was a moment that sent another clear message. Warriors management must begin taking trade offers for franchise icon Steph Curry.”
“Would they like to hold on to the greatest player in team history? Yes. But that isn’t what’s best for the franchise’s long-term health. It’s ugly, but it’s the necessary move after Monday’s bad news.”
If the Warriors conclude they would be wasting their time trying to compete for a championship with their current roster, trading Curry could become a viable option.
TCurry has helped the franchise secure four titles since the start of the 2014-15 season and deserves to be a part of a contending organization to end his illustrious career.
While it’s unlikely Golden State will start a new era of basketball this season, it’s an idea that will be heavily discussed moving forward.
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