On August 24th, the Golden State Warriors completed a blockbuster move at the 2025 trade deadline, acquiring six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat and immediately offering him a two-year, $ 110.9 million contract extension. This means Butler and Stephen Curry 's contracts will both expire after the 2026-27 season, giving the Warriors a limited two-year window to compete for a championship.

In 30 regular season games after joining the Warriors last season , Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals. While his performances were inconsistent, he was a formidable force alongside Curry. According to statistics, in the 27 games the two played together , the Warriors went 22-5 and eliminated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite this, the Warriors have no regrets about trading for this experienced veteran. However, there's a lack of optimism about Butler's performance this season. With the 2025-26 season approaching, the veteran, turning 36 , will inevitably face scrutiny regarding his physical workload and competitive status. Bleacher Report commentator Grant Hughes bluntly stated that Butler could be the Warriors' " biggest loser " next season .

Hughes noted that Butler showed signs of decline last season. He often resorted to repeated probing fakes around the basket, attempting to draw fouls rather than relying on explosiveness to finish. Defensively, he was also being driven past more often. " Butler can still maintain a near-All-Star level, and the Warriors are stronger with him than without him, but at 36 , he's clearly shouldering too much wear and tear. "

For the Warriors, Butler's decline doesn't mean they're losing their competitiveness. He still possesses extensive experience and resilience, providing value in crucial moments. However, with both Curry and Butler's contracts entering the final 30s, the team's championship window appears increasingly tight.