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The Golden State Warriors would like to acquire a star player and are targeting Jimmy Butler and LeBron James as potentially getable ahead of the February trade deadline. The Warriors realize any trade for either player would almost certainly require the inclusion of Jonathan Kuminga, who was recently moved into the startling lineup as they decide whether they prefer to keep him or sign him long-term during the offseason.

“Who would they potentially be showcasing him for?” said Brian Windhorst on Get Up about Kuminga. “Ah, that’s a good question to ask. One of the most important names to watch between now and the February trade deadline isn’t just Jonathan Kuminga, it’s also Jimmy Butler down in Miami.

“Really, since last spring when the Heat made it clear they were not going to extend his contract, we were probably headed for an ending of the ways between the Heat and Jimmy Butler. I wouldn’t say it’s a done deal yet, but I think teams are starting to kick the tires there and look and see what it might take. And the Warriors are one of them.

“The Warriors have been really active in trying to look for a star player. They kicked the tires on a couple other stars over the over the summer. And if Jimmy Butler is available and the Warriors feel like they need to upgrade that could be.

“But who else is on their list and that’s LeBron James. I know that this is one of the most fascinating opportunities in the league. It’s a delicious scenario to think about. The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year. They’ve made an inquiry and it got shut down last February. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal over the summer, so they will definitely monitor the situation and I don’t think they do anything without knowing this door is locked.

“But I would just say with LeBron it’s up to him he has a no trade clause and he has given no indication he wants the Lakers to do anything but upgrade the roster they’ve got not that he wants to go anywhere.”

The Phoenix Suns are planning to keep Deandre Ayton. The Suns had reportedly been looking at trading Ayton but will now keep him and have him start alongside Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Ayton averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game for Phoenix last season. Over the first five years of his career, the center has averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

Barring any other unexpected moves, the Suns will only have the ability to re-sign their own free agents and to sign players to minimum contracts this offseason. Phoenix will also be able to work non-Ayton trades, should any materialize. In the 2024-25 season, the Suns will be even more limited, as they’ll have over $185 million on the books for just Ayton, Beal, Booker and Durant.