Warriors-Celtics trade pitch sends Jimmy Butler to Boston for $285 million five-time All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Desperate times will always call for desperate measures in the NBA.

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In the Golden State Warriors’ case, the seven-time NBA champions are in the danger zone heading into the offseason. An unproductive summer could all but close the Warriors’ title window for good.

However, an ideal win-now trade could give the organization and its fanbase hope for the immediate future. Could trading Jimmy Butler to the Boston Celtics for a five-time All-Star guard give Golden State the boost they need? It’s safe to say Blue Man Hoop’s Tyler Watts would answer that question with a resounding yes.

“Jaylen Brown rumors give Warriors fans a new star acquisition to dream about,” Watts wrote Friday. “Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.4 minutes per game this season.”

“He turned into one of the best midrange shooters in the world and was in the MVP race as Jayson Tatum recovered from Achilles surgery. Brown still led the Celtics in scoring during the playoffs with Tatum on the floor.”

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“Brown could be looking to move on and be the superstar on his own team. That would happen in a few years in Golden State. (Stephen) Curry will gladly pass the baton to Brown. It would keep the Warriors in contention for years to come and clarify life after Steph. “The Dubs could trade a package centered around Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler.”

The Celtics’ inability to finish off the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the postseason after holding a 3-1 lead was the best-case scenario for the Warriors. Although there’s no guarantee Boston will make Brown available for offseason trade, it’s certainly more likely given its failure to build on the 2024 championship with the NBA Finals MVP as one of the organization’s go-to scorers/playmakers.

Swapping Butler for Brown probably wouldn’t be a big deal for the Warriors, as it’s unclear how Butler will perform following his devastating mid-season ACL injury. Butler also turns 37 in September, while Brown will enter his 30s in October, making him a safer long-term option.

Expect Brown to be on the Dubs’ radar this summer.

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