The Golden State Warriors needed a star to pair alongside Steph Curry, as the front office was calling all around the league before the trade deadline. After nearly making a deal to land Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant,

With Butler handling facilitating duties, Curry has been able to focus on what he does best: Wreaking havoc as an off-ball movement shooter. The latter runs around the court like a madman, and defenses must account for his otherworldly shooting prowess -- at all times.

Before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Warriors parted ways with Andrew Wiggins and others for Jimmy Butler. The move appeared to be too little, too late, but that initial assessment couldn't have been more wrong.