Amid swirling speculation during the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy firmly dismissed reports suggesting the team considered trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler III. The rumors emerged as the Warriors sought to adjust their roster following Butler’s season-ending ACL injury, which drastically impacted the team’s playoff prospects.
To address the setback, Golden State executed a trade acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in return. Although they explored the possibility of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bucks showed no interest in offers including Kuminga, prompting the Warriors to pursue Porzingis instead.
During a press conference on Saturday, Dunleavy spoke candidly with reporters, including Joseph Dycus, about the trade period. He explicitly rejected the notion that Green or Butler were ever actively part of trade discussions.
His name was not in conversations other than the ones where teams called me to ask about him. The idea that he stayed with the Warriors past the deadline was greatly exaggerated. It was never a possibility of him not being here or remotely close. I’ve conveyed that to him.
—Mike Dunleavy, Warriors GM
When questioned further about trading Butler for Antetokounmpo, Dunleavy responded sharply,
You’re putting words in my mouth. No, no, no. We’re not doing that. I’m not going down the roster talking about who is in trades and who is not. We don’t do that.
This firm denial was reiterated multiple times, signaling the front office’s intent to quell swirling rumors that had unsettled fans and analysts alike.
Challenges Facing the Warriors After Butler’s Injury
The Warriors now face a pressing challenge in reshaping a squad hampered by the absence of Butler, an essential figure alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Dunleavy recognizes the need for difficult roster decisions, but the team’s current standing signals an uphill battle to preserve their playoff hopes this season.
Golden State holds a 28-25 record, sitting eighth in the Western Conference. This position places them just ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers but behind contenders like the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves. The playoff race remains tight, heightening the urgency for consistent performance moving forward.
Next Steps for the Warriors’ Season
With the trade deadline behind them and key players intact, the Warriors turn their attention to reclaiming momentum in the schedule. Their next test comes at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 9 at 10 p.m. ET, a matchup crucial for maintaining their playoff positioning.
As the Warriors navigate this difficult stretch, the leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will be pivotal in rallying the team amid growing frustration and urgency. How effectively Golden State adapts could determine whether they overcome recent setbacks or fall further behind in a competitive Western Conference race.
“No, no, no, we're not doing that. I'm not talking about going on the roster, talking about who's in trades and who's not. We don't do that.”
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy pushes back on reports that Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler were shopped by the team at the deadline. pic.twitter.com/uw7Sa6hahr
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) February 8, 2026
