The Golden State Warriors are in full-blown crisis mode as of February 2, 2026. Sitting at 27-23 and clinging to the 8th seed in the brutal Western Conference (per latest standings from ESPN, NBA.com, and Basketball-Reference), the Dubs were already fighting for playoff positioning in a loaded West. Then came the devastating blow: Jimmy Butler, their blockbuster offseason addition meant to extend Steph Curry’s championship window, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in mid-January. Surgery and a 12-18 month rehab loom—Butler’s year is over, and Golden State’s title dreams hang by a thread.
With the NBA trade deadline just 3 days away (February 5, 2026, 3 p.m. ET), the Warriors need a star-level replacement NOW to salvage the season. Enter Fansided’s Christopher Kline with a bold, division-rival proposal that’s blowing up Warriors forums: Trade for Sacramento Kings’ veteran All-Star DeMar DeRozan (36, 6-time All-Star), plus promising young center Maxime Raynaud (2025 2nd-round pick).
The Proposed Trade Package (via Fansided):
- Warriors receive: DeMar DeRozan (G/F) + Maxime Raynaud (F/C, rookie)
- Kings receive: Moses Moody (young wing) + Buddy Hield (sharpshooter) + Al Horford (veteran big, expiring deal) + Warriors’ 2026 first-round pick
Kline’s reasoning: “DeMar DeRozan’s name has already been connected to Golden State. The Sacramento Kings shouldn’t need much to start moving off of their flawed stars… If Golden State stays the course, the DeRozan and Jimmy Butler partnership, upon the latter’s return, could get a bit awkward—especially with Draymond Green mucking up spacing at the four. But as a short-term boon for a team with postseason aspirations, DeRozan can credibly fill Butler’s void as a slasher and mid-range savant with legitimate playmaking chops on the wing.”
DeMar DeRozan in 2025-26: Still an Elite Scorer at Age 36
Through 50 games with the Kings (latest stats from ESPN, Basketball-Reference, StatMuse as of Feb 2):
- 19.0 PPG (39th in league)
- 3.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
- Shooting splits: 50.3% FG (34th), 33.6% 3PT, 86.4% FT
- Minutes: 33.1 per game
DeRozan remains the undisputed mid-range king (highest efficiency in that range league-wide), a clutch god (countless game-winners), and a solid wing creator. He’s essentially “Jimmy Butler without the elite defense”—a high-volume slasher, iso scorer, and secondary playmaker who thrives in the playoffs. Signed to a big deal by Sacramento in 2025 offseason, but the Kings are struggling (hovering around .400 win %), making DeRozan a realistic trade chip for a retool.
Bonus Piece: Maxime Raynaud – The Young Big Warriors Desperately Need
Raynaud (7’1″, 250 lbs, France, Stanford alum) was the 42nd pick in 2025 and is already contributing as a rookie for Sacramento: averaging around 9.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.0 APG with solid rim protection and stretch ability (NBA.com). He’s a modern big—mobile, rebounds well, shoots 3s decently—and would immediately address Golden State’s frontcourt depth issues (beyond aging Draymond and inconsistent Trayce Jackson-Davis/Looney).
Dream Lineup If the Trade Happens:
- PG: Stephen Curry (the GOAT shooter, age 38 soon)
- SG/SF: DeMar DeRozan / Jimmy Butler (interchangeable slashers)
- SF/PF: Jimmy Butler / DeRozan + Draymond Green (defense/playmaking)
- C: Maxime Raynaud (young anchor, spacing)
Yes, it’s an OLD lineup (average age ~35+ for starters), but stacked with proven winners: scoring, clutch shots, veteran IQ. Mid-range dominance + Curry’s gravity + Draymond’s D could overwhelm teams in a 7-game series.
The Risks – and Latest Rumors
Pros: Instant contender upgrade, keeps Curry’s window open for one last run. DeRozan fits motion offense perfectly (pull-ups off screens, playmaking). Cons: Gives up Moody (high-upside young wing), future pick, and creates spacing issues (DeRozan/Draymond/Butler all sub-35% 3PT). Massive injury risk with aging stars. Reality check: Recent reports (Sam Amick/The Athletic) say Warriors have “no real interest” in DeRozan—seeing him as a “last-resort” option. They’re still chasing bigger fish like Giannis. Kings may not be ready to dump him cheap.
Final Verdict: All-In or Bust for Curry’s Legacy?
This trade screams “win-now desperation”—sacrifice the future for one more shot at ring #5 with Steph. DeRozan isn’t the long-term answer, but he’s the PERFECT Butler replacement right now: scoring, creation, clutch. Add Raynaud for youth/depth, and Warriors become a nightmare matchup again.
Dubs fans: Pull the trigger on this deal? Or hold assets for Giannis/something bigger? Is this Curry’s last real chance? The clock is ticking—comment your hot takes below! This deadline could define the dynasty’s end… or extension!