NBA trade rumors are intensifying with the deadline just a week away. While no major players have been moved yet, there’s plenty of speculation as teams look to improve their rosters, whether for short-term success or long-term planning. Here are the latest updates from Thursday.
Warriors Question Butler’s Fit with Team
Golden State, currently just above .500 and sitting 11th in the Western Conference, is not where they expected to be with Stephen Curry leading the squad. The team has been linked to several potential trade targets, including Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Jimmy Butler. While all three could enhance their offense, concerns have been raised about Butler’s compatibility with the team. According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, Curry and head coach Steve Kerr are both wary of how Butler would fit into their locker room dynamic.
“My league sources say Stephen Curry specifically has concerns about Jimmy Butler’s fit in the Warriors locker room, and Steve Kerr shares those feelings,” O’Connor reported.
Butler has already faced three suspensions this season with the Miami Heat, which may have lowered his trade value and contributed to Golden State’s hesitation. His history as a vocal and sometimes divisive player dates back to his time with the Timberwolves, where he forced a trade from Minnesota. While the Warriors have previously managed strong personalities—such as the 2022 altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole—their locker room culture has generally been stable. Adding another strong-willed player could disrupt that balance at this stage of Curry’s career.
Additionally, Butler’s $48.7 million contract would require the Warriors to give up significant assets, making any potential deal a considerable risk.
Suns Looking for a Trade Partner for Nurkic
Phoenix has been linked to Jimmy Butler as well, but executing a trade for him remains complex due to Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause. While the Suns explore ways to acquire Butler, they are also shifting focus to other potential roster changes—particularly moving Jusuf Nurkic.
When Beal was benched in January, Nurkic was also removed from the starting lineup, with Mason Plumlee briefly taking his place. The situation worsened after the Suns acquired Nick Richards, who has started in most of his games with the team, pushing Nurkic further down the depth chart. Reports suggest that there is tension between Nurkic and head coach Mike Budenholzer, with the center revealing they have not spoken in two months. Given this disconnect, Nurkic’s tenure in Phoenix may be coming to an end.
The challenge for Phoenix is finding a team willing to take on the remaining $37.5 million of Nurkic’s contract, particularly after his public demotion. However, The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin reports that the Hawks have discussed a potential trade for Nurkic.
In return, Phoenix is reportedly interested in veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. A straight swap would work financially, but Atlanta may seek draft compensation to take on Nurkic’s contract. The Suns recently turned a first-round pick into three via a trade with the Jazz, which could help facilitate a deal.
Bogdanovic has struggled this season due to a knee injury, limiting him to 24 games. However, he is a career 38% three-point shooter, and if he returns to form, he could be a valuable addition alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Knicks Open to Trading Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks have been in strong form recently, sitting just one game behind the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their starting lineup, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson—both named All-Star starters—has been dominant. However, their bench ranks last in the league in scoring, largely because three of their starters—OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart—log heavy minutes.
Depth was a key issue during last year’s playoffs when injuries weakened the team. This could explain why the Knicks are considering moving big man Mitchell Robinson and his $14.31 million contract this season. The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reports that New York is “open” to dealing Robinson, who has yet to play this season due to injury.
While Robinson’s contract could net the Knicks a solid bench piece, his injury history makes him a less attractive trade asset. He is also owed $12.9 million next season. According to Edwards, the Knicks are looking for a backup big man to replace Robinson but are unwilling to include a draft pick to offload his contract.
One potential trade partner could be the Suns, who are actively trying to move Nurkic. If Phoenix is willing to part with him, he could serve as a reliable backup for the Knicks.
