Warriors predicted to trade Jimmy Butler for $165M two-time NBA blocks leader in 8-player mega deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Golden State Warriors have had an up-and-down offseason, perhaps because of how much excitement surrounded the team when the summer began. As soon as free agency opened, Golden State was viewed as a frontrunner to land LeBron James and was also linked to a potential trade for Anthony Davis. The Warriors were unable to acquire either star and have instead essentially kept the same roster. Golden State has primarily brought back familiar faces this summer. “The Warriors are officially running it back despite missing the playoffs last season. Golden State re-signed Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II this summer,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach posted. Following what has been a disappointing offseason for Golden State, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins urged Steph Curry to consider an exit strategy from the Bay Area. “Steph needs to be planning his exit strategy from the Golden State Warriors," said Perkins on 'NBA Today'. "Think about it, over the last four years, the Warriors have been in the play-in tournament. And this year, the way that the West is stacked up, they're gonna be a play-in tournament team again. You can't waste any more time hoping and banking that Mike Dunleavy is gonna get it right or is gonna make the moves that are needed to make sure that you can compete for a title, especially in a tough Western Conference.” However, the Warriors could still change the direction of their offseason before the regular season begins. Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes proposed a blockbuster trade that would send Jimmy Butler to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Myles Turner as part of an eight-player deal. “Golden State Warriors Acquire: Tyler Herro*, Myles Turner, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. Milwaukee Bucks Acquire: Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, 2027 first-round pick (top-4 protected), 2031 first-round pick,” Hughes wrote. A trade like this could completely change the Warriors' outlook before the season even begins. Golden State would add several players who could provide immediate value, while also bringing in veterans motivated to prove themselves after being traded. Turner would arguably be the biggest addition. The veteran center has made $165 million throughout his career and has established himself as one of the NBA's premier rim protectors. He has led the league in blocks twice during his career. Adding Turner would give Golden State a legitimate defensive anchor in the frontcourt while also providing another player capable of stretching the floor. Most importantly, pairing his shooting with Curry would give the Warriors another way to create space offensively. If Golden State is serious about maximizing the final years of Curry's career, a blockbuster move like this could be exactly what the team needs to change the trajectory of the upcoming season. More NBA news:
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