Jimmy Butler Lands With Magic in Proposed Blockbuster
The Golden State Warriors are still looking to freshen up their lineup with some impact scoring. And while Jimmy Butler used to be that, there's no telling how the 37-year-old will recover from a torn ACL. And there's also no set timeline for his return.
But per Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World, the "Warriors could turn their dying championship core into hope by pulling off a blockbuster trade for Franz Wagner."
The proposed deal would go down like this:
Golden State Warriors Receive:
- Franz Wagner
- Jonathan Isaac
Orlando Magic Receive:
- Jimmy Butler
- Kristaps Porzingis
- 2032 first-round pick
- 2033 first-round pick
- 2033 second-round pick
For the Warriors, they'd get immediate help with a dynamic young scorer in Wagner, who averaged 24.2 points per game in his last complete healthy season, in 2024-25. Last season, he played 34 games, and still averaged just a tick over 20 ppg.
Bitar says Wagner, 25, would be an "outstanding" choice for the Dubs to go boldly into the future, both now and in the post-Steph Curry years.
"He is already a very good offensive player, but his appeal goes beyond the box score. Wagner is particularly adept at punishing mismatches against smaller defenders. His size also gives Golden State another option when teams switch defensively or force Curry away from the ball. That is the sort of versatility that could make this deal worth pursuing."
For the Magic, they'd be taking a huge swing, and a gamble that Butler and Porzingis can return to their All-Star form whenever (if?) they return from their long-term injuries.
For Orlando, they've watched as a number of other teams in the East have passed them by, with the Sixer bulking up with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, the Raptors bringing back Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, and the Heat landing Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Magic would have to do really pull a rabbit out of the hat to stay in the running in the powerful East, and shooting for two aging stars like Butler & Porzingis could be their only hope.