SAN FRANCISCO, December 31, 2025: The Golden State Warriors are staring into the abyss of mediocrity, but they’ve decided to blink first.
Sitting at a pedestrian 17-16 record through 33 games, the Warriors find themselves stuck in the NBA’s dreaded middle ground. Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t mince words earlier this month, admitting the franchise that defined a decade is now a fading dynasty. Yet, despite the gloom and the desperate need for a spark, the Warriors front office has reportedly drawn a line in the sand: the core is staying put.
The ‘Untouchables’ Verdict According to a new report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Golden State is staunchly against the idea of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler. This decision effectively torpedoes the fan-favorite theory that the Warriors would package their aging stars to land a new superstar like Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The logic or lack thereof, depending on who you ask is rooted in a stubborn belief in the current group. Team sources say they’re staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, Amick reported, noting that this stance creates a massive logistical hurdle for any potential blockbuster deals.
The $54 Million Problem The Warriors’ refusal to move Butler or Green isn’t just a sentimental choice; it’s a mathematical dead end for roster upgrades. To trade for a player of Anthony Davis’s caliber, the Warriors would need to match his massive salary. Jimmy Butler, with his cap hit of roughly $54.1 million, is the only financial match on the roster. Draymond Green, earning significantly less at approximately $29 million, wouldn’t move the needle enough on his own without gutting the rest of the roster.
By taking both off the table, Golden State has effectively handcuffed itself to this specific roster for the remainder of the season. They are betting that a team Kerr calls fading can find one last burst of light without outside help.
