\n<\/p>\n
Well, that was embarrassing. And perhaps the best thing that could have happened to the Warriors if you are of the opinion Golden State needs to go shopping for a new Steph Curry sidekick before the February 5 trade deadline.<\/p>\n
The Raptors blasted the Warriors 145\u2013127 in San Francisco on Tuesday night in the first signs of what life might be like without Jimmy Butler to anchor the defense.<\/p>\n
Butler’s replacement isn’t on the roster. Jonathan Kuminga is back in the fold and coach Steve Kerr says all is well in their oil-v-water relationship, but the goal is to parlay Kuminga and draft picks to keep the team competitive enough to fight for a playoff spot this season.<\/p>\n
The deadline is only two weeks out, meaning Kevin Dunleavy Jr. already has his fingers on his screen checking availability and trying to find a meaningful match for Curry.<\/p>\n
Dunleavy said he’s already conferenced with the powers that be \u2014 owner Joe Lacob \u2014 and Golden State is willing to stack future first-round picks. That’s good, because it’s the only prayer the Warriors have in getting a better-than-good option in a Warriors uniform.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo give up our picks, it’s got to be meaningful to get something back. So, for that reason, there’s only so many players out there that probably warrant putting stuff like that on the table,” Dunleavy said this week. “But we’re looking at everything. Joe Lacob is our owner, so you’re always exploring all possibilities, willing to do any type of deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Butler is the kind of player the Warriors are looking for, an invested veteran with proven production. He was averaging over 20 points per game, and without him it’s Curry for 3 and very little else that screams “see you in May.”<\/p>\n
If the Warriors are suddenly selling teams a line that Kuminga is a useful and bountiful basket of upside, they’re going to run into a wall of overaged, yesterday’s talent on expiring contracts.<\/p>\n