Warriors Pivoting To Kings Veteran As Trade Target Following Jimmy Butler Injury

On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors had their worst fears confirmed, with superstar forward Jimmy Butler officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign following an ACL tear. Despite having a record of 25–20, this injury threatens to derail the Warriors' season, one that started with so much optimism and expectations.

Given that Steph Curry is 37 years of age, it's safe to say that the team is not going to give up on the season following an injury, with some speculation that the team could target Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, a trade target has officially been identified, with ESPN's Shams Charania singling out DeMar DeRozan as a player the Warriors could target as a Butler replacement down the stretch.

As of right now, it's likely that the Kings are going to be one of the NBA's biggest sellers given their poor start to the season, and while there has not been a major market for DeRozan, this injury to Butler changes things in a big way. It's unclear if the Kings want to trade DeRozan within the division, but given their interest in Jonathan Kuminga, there's certainly a potential deal to be made between these two teams.

On paper, this represents a great fit as a replacement for Butler, and while there's a chance the Warriors target a much bigger piece following the ACL injury to their star forward, if they want to keep competing without emptying the asset cupboard, this is a move to make.