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Golden State Warriors: 3 potential side effects from a Jimmy Butler trade

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speak after game on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speak after game on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in action against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in action against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

The Dubs avoid playing Butler several times a season

If Jimmy Butler takes his talents out East, the Dubs will get to play a much weaker Minnesota Timberwolves team. That said, let’s take a glance at the last few trades of superstars.

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Many don’t think the Spurs got better after trading Kawhi Leonard, and it’s just a fact that the Cavaliers struggled more often after dealing superstar point guard Kyrie Irving. Trading a superstar does not usually yield a complete, equal package.

Last season, the Warriors took on the Wolves three times, prevailing fairly easily twice. The third time, Butler didn’t play and the Dubs actually lost by six. However, this season, the two teams will meet each other four times.

Technically five, the Wolves and Dubs will kick off the preseason facing each other and then get their first regular-season matchup aired on ESPN. Those will be far less memorable if Butler is traded.

The Dubs don’t take on too many Eastern Conference teams multiple times, and if the Wolves trade Butler out East, it’d allow the Warriors to see the four-time All-Star a few fewer times a year and potentially reduce the possibility of seeing him in the postseason.

That’s a side effect if he’s traded out East, but what if he stays in the West?

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