The Golden State Warriors found the superstar they yearned for earlier this week. After reportedly gauging interest in just about every All-Star in the NBA, the Warriors engaged in a massive, five-team trade that would send disgruntled, former Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.
In exchange for Butler, Golden State sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, a 2025 first-rounder to the Heat, and Dennis Schroder, Lindy Waters III, and a 2031 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons. Golden State will look drastically different from the last time they faced off against the Chicago Bulls less than three weeks ago.
Will Jimmy Butler make his much-anticipated debut?
Since swapping Wiggins for Butler, Golden State is 0-1, with the loss coming against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the newly acquired 35-year-old forward has yet to suit up for his new team. Butler's debut was drawn out due to the numerous players in the deal awaiting physicals. Nonetheless, Butler will make his Golden State debut tonight against Chicago. The 6-foot-7 forward was not allowed to participate in the Warriors' shootaround this morning but is set to take the floor.
Final hurdle complete. Jimmy Butler will make his Warriors debut in Chicago tonight, per team. https://t.co/TqAQCmNnpR
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 8, 2025
Will the three newest Bulls make appearances?
Butler might be the most notable name, but he's not the only recently traded player who should make his debut tonight. Chicago's newest triumvirate, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones, are expected to suit up for the first time as Bulls against the Warriors.
Prior to game day, Head Coach Billy Donovan lamented that he's hopeful at least two of the three aforementioned players will see the floor. Lonzo Ball's status is up in the air after coming down with an illness—the 29-year-old missed Chicago's morning shootaround, lessening the chance he'll take the hardwood at the United Center. Thus providing a pathway for guards, Huerter and Jones, to see the floor.
Billy Donovan said he’s hopeful to get at least two, if not all three of the new guys some minutes vs. Golden State. Some will depend on Lonzo Ball’s status (illness) and Jalen Smith’s (personal reasons.) Talen Horton-Tucker and Dalen Terry also remain limited due to injuries
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 7, 2025
With Ball potentially out of the lineup, expect Donovan to slot rookie Matas Buzelis in a starting role. Buzelis recently took Ball's place in the starting lineup in Chicago's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 5.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Golden State Warriors
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Adama Sanogo (Left Knee Contusion).
Questionable: Lonzo Ball (Illness), Zach Collins (Recently Traded), Talen Horton-Tucker (Left Lower Leg Periostitis), Kevin Huerter (Recently Traded), Tre Jones (Recently Traded), Dalen Terry (Left Knee).
Golden State Warriors
Out: Jonathan Kuminga (Right Ankle Sprain).
Questionable: Gui Santos (Left Patella Tendinitis).
Probable: Moses Moody (Lower Back Strain).