“Over the last few seasons, the Warriors' supporting cast has been unable to help Curry elevate the Warriors to anything better than the sixth seed, and many players have been floated in trade rumors in that span,” Hoops Habit’s Benjamin Paradis wrote Wednesday.

The Butler trade saga added a new wrinkle for the Warriors to pursue a move. Before the 2024-25 season commenced, Butler's trade stock had more juice. However, given the public demands and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the Heat continue to lose leverage if they decide to make a trade.