How NBA experts graded Warriors’ blockbuster trade for Butler

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How NBA experts graded Warriors’ blockbuster trade for Butler originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors’ Jimmy Butler acquisition was among the NBA’s most prominent transactions during a hectic trade deadline week.

In addition to landing Butler, the Warriors also signed the 35-year-old star to a two-year, $112 million contract extension.

Here’s how the experts graded Golden State’s trade that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in exchange for the five-time All-NBA forward:

Warriors: B-minus

The stakes for Butler in the Bay are simple: Lift the Warriors out of a fierce battle just to make the play-in tournament and give Stephen Curry another playoff run while he’s still performing at an All-Star level.”

“… Butler’s statistical downturn this season — from 20.8 PPG to 17.0, his lowest average since 2013-14 — seems attributable more to motivation than declining skill at age 35.

“For now, Butler can lift a Warriors defense that has been good but not championship-quality. Golden State is ninth in defensive rating after ranking fourth during the Warriors’ 12-3 start. Part of that was due to unsustainable opponent 3-point shooting — teams hit a league-low 31% against them over that span and are at 38% since, second highest — but Golden State has also forced turnovers at a below-average rate after starting the season in the top 10. Adding Butler, who led the league with 2.1 steals per game in 2020-21, should help the Warriors in that regard.

“Butler will be Golden State’s latest attempt to find some offense with Curry on the bench. Over the course of the season, their offensive rating ranks in the seventh percentile leaguewide without Curry, per Cleaning the Glass. Schroder wasn’t the solution. Lineups featuring him but not Curry were only marginally better, ranking in the 12th percentile.

“If the Warriors can escape the West’s pack and make the playoffs, either by climbing in the top six or through the play-in tournament, “Playoff Jimmy” gives them a reasonable chance at pulling an upset or two.” – Kevin Pelton

Warriors: B

“This is a modest price to pay for a…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-experts-graded-warriors-blockbuster-170700836.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-02-07 17:07:00

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