Stephen Curry on Kevin Durant (Warriors, 2016 to 2019; Team USA, 2024): “Pure talent and work ethic. I mean, it doesn’t happen by accident. He’s been blessed with a certain skill set with his height. You can’t really rush him. He can see over pretty much most defenders. And if there’s a taller guy on, he can use his counters and all that to get good looks. But you have to worry about all three levels, and he can put it on the floor, too. So it’s kind of pick your poison.” -via ESPN / January 31, 2025

Phoenix might not be a likely option for a Butler deal, but the Golden State Warriors could be one, sources told me. The Warriors — with their history of pursuing star players, plus their standing at the edge of the play-in mix in the Western Conference — would be an intriguing possibility for Butler’s services, as the combination of him and Stephen Curry could be a formidable one over the course of a seven-game series. And, as the saga between Butler and the Heat has dragged on, Miami’s ask could be low enough to entice Golden State to make a move now, while leaving room for other moves this summer. -via ESPN / January 31, 2025

Dru Star: “My league sources say Stephen Curry specifically has concerns about Jimmy Butler’s fit in the Warriors locker room. Steve Kerr shares those feelings. Golden State’s indecision about trading for Jimmy seems largely tied to Steph & Kerr’s worries about the personality fit.” @KevinOConnorNBA -via x.com / January 30, 2025