The trade for Jimmy Butler has been just what the Golden State Warriors need, someone with the talent and intelligence to fit in with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the third option all true championship contenders need.
Since Butler’s arrival, Golden State has shot up the Western Conference standings from #10 to #6 and they have an outside shot to possibly surpass Houston to reach #5. The question becomes, what is the ceiling for coach Steve Kerr’s team, or is there one? Let’s examine the possibilities before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks.
Understanding Where the Warriors Are
Steph Curry is still a very effective scorer. He’s not as quick as his younger days but he’s mastered the use of space to release his shot so quickly. His uncanny accuracy is why he’s arguably the greatest shooter of all-time.
Green has always been a perfect fit for the Warriors with Kerr because he understood floor spacing and ways to maximize his 6’6 frame to be physical as a defender and rebounder. All of this while getting under the skin of his opponents as well.
Curry is 36, Green is 35, and they probably are not going to win another championship unless they merge with the Celtics or Thunder, but adding Butler has made them a threat and a dangerous team to beat.
What Butler Adds to the Mix
Jimmy Butler brings to the table another player with a thirst for winning.
Make no mistake, Butler is a giant pain in the posterior if his team is not chasing a championship or winning. We saw that play out in Miami this season and those familiar with the Philadelphia situation prior to that. This, plus his first two stops in Chicago and Minnesota, has led to stories supporting how Jimmy Butler can be a negative player for your franchise.
However, since he is now surrounded by players who share his vision and his equal understanding of the game, Butler should flourish.
Built Different
One other aspect of Butler’s game is that, even at 36, he still gears up for the postseason.
Butler might be an annoyance, but like his new teammate Green, his determination to win is uncompromising. Once the postseason starts, he will elevate his game like his championship teammates and do everything to earn a ring.
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Golden State’s Chances of Winning the West and Making the NBA Finals
Here are the latest betting odds to win the West and NBA title for the Warriors.
- Warriors To Win the Western Conference (+750)
- Warriors To Win the NBA Title (+1600)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
By the NBA odds, that places Kerr’s club by NBA odds at #4 in the West and #6 overall, respectively. As reported by an NBA scout to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Butler’s addition to the Warriors makes them a dangerous crew, period.
“No one will want to play them in the playoffs,” the scout said. “Jimmy with fresh legs and motivation … honeymoon phase Jimmy is a mother… People way too quickly forgot what Jimmy Butler can do. He’s not a franchise player in that he doesn’t do it in the regular season, but when it comes to the playoffs, he’s a franchise player. He’s a superstar when you need to be winning.”
Can Golden State and Butler Reach The NBA Finals?
With the vast amount of pedigree the Warriors have, they will be a tough out. The two Western Conference clubs that present the biggest challenge are Denver and Oklahoma City:
- The Nuggets are two years removed from their first title, and all of their best players are still in their prime. The biggest challenge for Golden State is having a player or individuals attempting to contain Nikola Jokic. If they meet, the plan could be to make Jokic a scorer, just don’t let him pass for assists.
- Oklahoma City is an excellent offensive and defensive team that can play a variety of styles. The only aspect missing is the valuable playoff experience. Curry was 27 when he won his first championship. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 26.
Only twice in the history of the NBA has a team seeded lower than #3 in a conference won a title. They will have a chance to get to the NBA Finals, but beating Denver and Oklahoma City will be a tough task.
NBA 2025 Championship Odds
| The Elite | The Contenders | The Longshots | The Underdogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics +180 | Cleveland Cavaliers +550 | Denver Nuggets +1400 | New York Knicks +2000 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder +200 | LA Lakers +1000 | Golden State Warriors +1600 | MIL Bucks +5000 |
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
