NBA trade deadline: Fantasy basketball implications of Jimmy Butler to the Warriors

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The NBA delivered another blockbuster multi-team trade, with the Miami Heat sending Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. The Heat also received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, PJ Tucker and a protected first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also got involved, receiving Dennis Schröder, while the Detroit Pistons landed Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson.

This trade sparks sweeping changes for the Dubs and Heat and notably ends a very public soap opera with Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler. For fantasy basketball managers, it sets the stage for critical adjustments. Below, we’ll break down the winners, losers, and key takeaways for fantasy basketball.

Jimmy Butler’s fit with the Golden State Warriors

By bringing in Butler, Golden State adds a defensive edge and scoring threat to a team on the edge of playoff contention. The Warriors’ 3-point-centric offense is predicated on ball movement, and while Butler isn’t a volume 3-point shooter, his unselfishness and three-level scoring make him a more reliable offensive threat than Wiggins.

He can guard multiple positions defensively and is an unselfish, high-IQ two-way player who raises Golden State’s floor. He’s also been handsomely compensated, signing a two-year, $121M extension. I’d expect a motivated and committed version of Butler with the Dubs.

Fantasy outlook: Butler has been averaging 17/5/5 this season, and I’m projecting that he’ll see a bump to over 20 points per game as the second option on offense. He was providing sixth-round value despite being disgruntled and checked out, so I’d anticipate an increase by at least two rounds by the end of the season.

While I don’t expect much to change for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green could see a decline in assists, with Butler potentially becoming another facilitator for the Warriors. Still, the dropoff won’t be significant enough to ditch Green in 10-12 team leagues.

Andrew Wiggins fit with the Miami Heat

The Heat’s post-Butler era begins with Wiggins and a renewed commitment to youth. Tyler Herro’s All-Star campaign continues with him as the focal point on offense, and Wiggins will backfill Butler’s role. But how will Wiggins…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-trade-deadline-fantasy-basketball-implications-of-jimmy-butler-to-the-warriors-025717914.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2025-02-06 02:57:00

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